‘More dangerous by the day’: Is Turkey positioning to replace Iran in the region?

Middle East expert Yoni Ben Menachem warns that behind Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements lies a structured plan to build a new Sunni axis that could replace Iran’s regional role. Ben...

Yoni Ben Menachem, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center, warns that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements are part of a structured plan to build a new Sunni axis. This plan involves forming alliances with Sunni-majority countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Erdogan's goal is to replace Iran's regional role and become a dominant player in the Middle East. The Turkish president has already taken steps to strengthen ties with these countries, including a recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The formation of a new Sunni axis could disrupt global oil markets, leading to increased gas prices. If Turkey is successful in replacing Iran as a regional power, it could gain control over a significant portion of the world's oil supply, allowing it to dictate prices. This would have a direct impact on consumers, who would face higher costs at the pump. The potential price increase could be as much as 10-15% per barrel, depending on the level of control Turkey is able to exert.

The current situation is a result of decades of tension between Iran and Sunni-majority countries in the region. The 1979 Iranian Revolution marked a significant turning point, as Iran's new Shia-led government began to exert its influence over the region. Since then, Sunni-majority countries have sought to counter Iran's power, and Turkey's current actions are the latest development in this ongoing struggle. Insiders know that Turkey's ambitions are not just about regional influence, but also about gaining access to new markets and resources.

In the coming weeks, the Turkish government is expected to announce a new series of economic agreements with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These agreements could include significant investments in Turkey's energy sector, as well as cooperation on regional security issues. A surprising detail is that Turkey's plans may actually be aided by the United States, which has been seeking to reduce its reliance on Iranian oil and may see Turkey as a more stable alternative. The US has already begun to increase its military presence in the region, which could provide a boost to Turkey's ambitions.