Turkey has weathered regional instability before. But the war in Iran poses greater risks to Ankara than past conflicts

(Grady Wilson – Atlantic Council) Despite Turkey’s hopes and efforts to mediate prior to the outbreak of hostilities, Ankara is being increasingly drawn into the US and Israeli war against Iran. Turkey aimed to publicly distance itself from the conflict as much as possible in its initial statements, condemning both the strikes on Iran as well as Tehran’s strikes against regional countries. Notably, Turkey was not included in the long list of countries targeted in Iran’s retaliatory strikes early on despite housing US forces at the Incirlik Air Base in the country’s south. Turkish officials were quick to underline that Turkish airspace and assets in the country were not to be used to attack Iran. However, on Wednesday, March 4, two developments shattered the illusion of Turkey’s ability to steer clear of the conflict. First, NATO shot down an Iranian ballistic missile “directed at Turkish airspace.” Second, there was widespread reporting that the CIA was working to arm Kurdish forces to foment rebellion in Iran. – Turkey has weathered regional instability before. But the war in Iran poses greater risks to Ankara than past conflicts. – Atlantic Council