Turkey is intensifying its efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East amid a period of deep instability, marked by the devastating Hamas-led assault on Israel last year and the ongoing, unresolved conflict between Iran and its regional adversaries. The shifting geopolitical landscape has created both challenges and opportunities for Ankara as it seeks to position itself as a key player in the region. With tensions remaining high and alliances realigning, Turkey’s diplomatic and military moves could reshape the balance of power in a volatile area. The question now is whether its ambitions will translate into lasting impact or further complicate an already fractured region.
Turkey's bid for regional influence comes at a time when the Middle East has been hit by profound shocks that started with the Hamas-led 2023 attack on Israel, and continues with the stalemated, seven-month-old war on Iran.
