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Amid the intensifying tension between Iran and Israel, Turkiye finds itself in a tough but important position given its long border with Iran. Ankara’s response to the escalating conflict, its potential role, and how it might respond require significant attention.

Turkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council have agreed to begin formal negotiations for a free-trade agreement, with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi signing a joint communique confirming this last week.

In the 2000s, Turkiye actively engaged in high-profile mediation attempts in some perennial intrastate and interstate conflicts in the Middle East to both consolidate its place in the regional order and to increase its leverage among regional and global stakeholders.