Iran and Turkey’s regional rivalry deepens as Ankara moves to make peace with the Kurds and expands its influence in Syria and Iraq at Tehran’s expense.

- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 24, 2025. Fidan's recent criticism of Iranian support for militias in the Middle East triggered diplomatic discussions with the countries' ambassadors.

Iran and Turkey's foreign ministries summoned their envoys after a diplomatic spat over Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's warning of Tehran against undermining Syria's stability.

Tehran’s recent setbacks have paved the way for Ankara’s ascent. The Ankara-backed Azerbaijan’s triumph over Tehran-backed Armenia, Turkish-supported militias outmaneuvering Iran’s influence in Syria,

Iran and Turkey have summoned each other’s diplomats for discussions after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Tehran’s policy of supporting militias in Syria and elsewhere in the region.

Turkey and Iran have recalled their ambassadors amid growing diplomatic friction, marking a new phase in regional power struggles since late 2024. This latest dispute follows Iranian criticism of Turkey’s Syria policy and comes after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan urged his group to disarm

As Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa struggles to ensure stability in the country, militant groups supporting ousted President Bashar al-Assad are not the only cause of his worries

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the recent deadly attacks on civilians in Syria, saying the violation of rights of Alawites has hurt feelings.

A Syrian security source said the pace of fighting had slowed around Latakia, Jabla and Baniyas, while forces searched surrounding mountainous areas where an estimated 5,000 pro-Assad insurgents were hiding.

Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to hold anyone involved in harming civilians accountable after days of clashes where Syrian security forces allegedly killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority. A UK-based monitor said 830 civilians were killed in "massacres" targeting Alawites on the west coast on Friday and Saturday.