Why it matters:
Iran and Turkey, as neighboring countries, face overlapping security challenges in West Asia. Strengthening bilateral defense ties is particularly significant in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 crisis, as both countries seek to coordinate against common threats and maintain regional stability.
The big picture:
The meeting comes as Turkey, pressured by Israel after Bashar al-Assad’s exit from Syria, faces a fragmented Syria where Ankara expected dominance but found instability instead. With Israel exerting pressure, Iran-Turkey defense cooperation gains urgency to confront common threats and preserve regional balance after October 2023.
Gen. Ilkay Altindag, Director General for Defense and Security in the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, visited Tehran on Wednesday at the invitation of Brigadier General Majid Mirahmadi, Deputy for Intelligence and Security of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff.
What they're saying:
Brigadier General Mirahmadi thanked Turkey for condemning Israeli attacks and stressed Iran’s policy of strengthening “brotherly relations” with Ankara.
He emphasized that Turkey’s security and stability are of vital importance to Iran.
Altındag responded by saying Iran’s security is Turkey’s security, adding: “We consider the Islamic Republic of Iran as our own home.”
Go deeper:
The two sides discussed regional developments, border issues, shared threats, military cooperation, joint exercises, and exchanges of military delegations.
Hossein Amiri - Hossein Amiri
