Iran links will undermine Saudi-Turkish cooperation

Significance

In an earlier meeting, the Iranian vice-president told Zeybekci that he distinguished between the positions of Ankara and Riyadh. Rising Iran-Turkey economic links and political rapprochement are of deep concern to Saudi Arabia. Despite friendly rhetoric, partially reflected in official media, the contradictory regional alliances of Saudi Arabia and Turkey have complicated their bilateral relations.

Impacts

• The US election victory of Donald Trump will reshuffle complex regional alliances.
• A tougher US approach to Iran could empower Saudi Arabia, and may push Turkey firmly back into the Sunni camp.
• Saudi Arabia will seek Turkish diplomatic support for its military campaign against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen.
• Turkey's choice of allies in Syria will depend on their attitudes to Kurdish territorial aspirations.