The build-up of the Turkey-Iran relations, the border that was drawn with Qasr-I Shirin, has more roots than even some countries' histories. The message is that this history, which has experienced the good, the bad and the ugly, is the two powers that arrived at this day by protecting the delicate balance of relations one way or another.
If we begin to look at the Republic era, what catches the eye, it is the period of moderate relations up until the Iranian Revolution and even the cooperation. After the revolution, we couldn't cut away our economic ties alongside our cautious stance. It is even known that the late Turgut Özal had the approach that the dual relationships had to be revived.
When we look at the general route of the foreign policy, which was the point of Turkey's transition that was adopted during the Özal era, a picture of reading the world and region in a correct way emerges. It is needless to say that on that day, Turkey witnessed the turmoil in the Middle East and the perception of Iran in the region was not quite friendly. With Özal drawing attention with his convergence of the West, Asia and the Islamic states, it is understood that Turkey has made it a point to protect the balance with Iran, who has been a bulge amidst all of these dynamics.
Maintaining the distance
On top of this, it is known that the coast isn't clear in the environment… There was a period when the rising tensions between the two countries was constantly witnessed, especially in the 90's. Turkey and Iran proceeded with the formations in the region from different angles and this was the main reason for their separation. In connection to this, when needed, Turkey acted distant; when needed, it acted friendly. Does Turkey have strategic reasons for this?
As for the 2000s, need be the no problem approach or need be the outline of the other regional developments, a revival in the relations was seen. Especially in 2004, when the then Prime Minister Erdoğan visited and the relations softened. The agreements in trade and investment took off in a noticeable fashion.
At the same time in these years, let us underline a move to strengthen the ties in energy was done. As a matter of fact, we witnessed, the steps taken in 1995-96 for a natural gas increase in the 2000s. The main reason for all of these efforts was to form a basin for cooperation and to maximize the mutual benefits with given restrictions. Despite the issues in the other fields, could you say that the economic relations went smoothly? Of course not. From the continuous problems of natural gas, to the TIR crisis, a variety of disagreements occurred and is still occurring.
Separately, with the effect of a 3rd side, the sanctions that Iran faced because of its nuclear program paved the way for hitches in the dual economic relations between the two sides. On the other side, Turkey's support of peaceful resolutions during this period has been recorded.
What came with the nuclear period
In connection to this, last week the outline agreement that Iran and the P5+1 signed looks like it is opening the door to a new era. As long as there is no hiccups, Iran, who is expected to get into a nice kid mode, is going to get the opportunity to piece together its economy. It is possible for the agreement to create Iran opportunities, and leave positive traces in the region…
In connection to this, the waited new period in Turkey and Iran economic relations can blossom. Yes, concerning Iran, it is evident that it has many problems: the main one being Syria. However, just as it has been seen in the past, this does not prevent the drawing of a picture full of cooperation. Both sides are aware of the importance of this distinction…
We cannot deny that the natural political tensions, the economic relations, can be reflected negatively. However, if we take a look at the other side, it is like this saying that I like, “The natural result of trade is it brings peace.” In other terms, it is expected that economic ties will strengthen, and it will inevitably lead the way for softer political approaches.
Optimization problem
Today, the global economy draws an ugly picture. It is even more necessary for us to increase our cooperation now more than ever, in a period that the developments of the stock markets and exchange markets are negatively affecting our foreign trade .
When we look around the world, don't we also see many big and small powers doing this? Also, the worldwide genuine partnerships I frequently gave place to in this column, as well as the fake smiles and the drastic disputes too; isn't it always the fuss of building power?
In this context, from the past to today our unchanging need is to evaluate the global dynamics accurately and construct the balance according to this.
If the point in question is balance; a mild-mannered degree to provide grounds for partnership, can be defined as keeping the degree just enough to protect the power possessed so as to stand tall. In the last period, if needed, the relations and developments with Iran, or with the other countries, was approached from this viewpoint.
The bottom line: The name of the problem that needs to be solved in the big picture in front of Turkey is optimization. Especially dynamic… Its modelling and analysis are two completely separate hardships; however, according to the fine calculations, we have no other choice but to take these steps in the global arena.
