How ‘strategic ambiguity’ made Turkey a winner in the Iran war
However, experts caution that the country’s economic instability and enduring regional rivalries have capped its gains
The week before, in a call with US President Donald Trump, Erdogan welcomed the extension of the ceasefire which began in April and expressed optimism that the issues remaining between Washington and Tehran could be resolved.
Experts argue that while Turkey’s strategic flexibility has made it a beneficiary of regional chaos, the weakness of its domestic economy and enduring regional rivalries limit its gains and would ultimately prevent it from becoming a hegemonic power.
Cameron Johnson, senior partner at Shanghai-based supply chain consultancy Tidalwave Solutions, said the conflict underscored Turkey’s long-standing strategic ambiguity, making it “one of the winners” from the turmoil.
“Ultimately, Turkey’s strategic ambiguity and flexibility have become an asset,” he said, citing the Nato member’s active non-alignment with either the United States or China.