Iran and Türkiye's Competition in the Corridors of the Caucasus

Introduction: The Caucasus region, strategically located between Europe and Asia, has long attracted the attention of regional and global powers due to its geographical importance and abundant natural resources. Its vast oil and gas reserves, along with its role as a key transit hub, have placed it at the center of international trade and investment. The region's integration into global economic corridors has increased its strategic value, as major regional and international powers seek secure routes for the transport of goods and energy. In this context, Iran and Türkiye, two influential players in the region, are pursuing their corridor strategies to expand their influence. Iran prioritizes the North-South Corridor to strengthen ties with Eurasia and circumvent sanctions and offer an alternative trade route. Meanwhile, Türkiye is focused on the Middle Corridor, which connects Central Asia to Europe and China through the Caucasus. This pursuit of regional influence through economic corridors has intensified competition between Tehran and Ankara and has shaped their diplomatic relations. The development of these routes not only facilitates trade but also serves as a tool for geopolitical influence and regional dominance.
Research question: The main question of the research is how different interests and goals of Iran and Türkiye in the Caucasus region lead to competition in the corridors passing through this region?
Research hypothesis: The hypothesis suggests that the significant difference in the goals and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye regarding the development of corridors passing through the Caucasus region is one of the key factors in the competition between the two countries in this area.
Methodology and theorethical framework: This study uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive-analytical approach, using documentary analysis and library research to examine the dynamics of competition between Iran and Türkiye in the Caucasus region. Additionally, the theoretical framework employs the regional balance of power to analyze strategic interactions between the two countries. According to this theoretical framework, economic corridors play a significant role in the balance of power in two key ways. First, they enable actors to reduce political and economic pressures from rivals by reducing their path dependence, thereby increasing strategic independence. Second, these corridors serve as a tool to strengthen soft power and increase geopolitical influence.
Results and discussion: In this context, the competition between Iran and Türkiye over the development of corridors in the Caucasus has beem raised as an important issue in bilateral relations. Fundamental differences in the goals and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye in terms of their influence in the Caucasus are the main drivers of this competition. While both countries recognize the strategic importance of the region, they have different views on the development of the corridor. Iran aims to strengthen its cooperation with Eurasian countries, especially Russia and India, using the North-South Corridor as a tool to strengthen these partnerships. In contrast, Türkiye has adopted a more West-centric approach, seeking to stenghten its central role in connecting Europe with Central Asia and China through the development of the Middle Corridor. These different strategies have significantly intensified Iran-Türkiye competition in the Caucasus. Both countries are committed to advancing the vision of regional connectivity, deepening bilateral relations and influencing their geopolitical landscape. The findings of this study indicate that framing the North-South Corridor and the Middle Corridor as two competing routes with distinct stakeholders intensifies the rivalry between Iran and Türkiye in the Caucasus. This competition is likely to shape the dynamics of their bilateral relations, affecting not only their interactions but also the broader security and stability of the Caucasus and beyond. As major external powers also compete for influence in the region, the rivalry between Iran-Türkiye could further complicate regional politics. As both countries seek to maintain their positions and advance their interests, the potential for escalating geopolitical tensions increases, emphasizing the need for careful management of this competition to maintain stability in this strategically sensitive region. Ultimately, the interplay of regional and global interests may change the geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus and have important implications for both local and international security.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that both countries are actively seeking to expand their influence in this strategically important region. However, fundamental differences in their interests and goals increase competition between them. This growing competitionis not only is rooted in their national interests but is also influenced by significant geopolitical changes in the region and the external interference by major powers. The growing presence of countries such as China and Russia in the Caucasus further complicates the regional landscape and positions the Iranian-Turkish rivalry as a potential catalyst for escalating tensions and instability. As both countries pursue their ambitions amidst these complex dynamics, the implications for regional security and cooperation become increasingly critical. This study shows that the Iranian-Turkish rivalry in the Caucasus is part of a broader geopolitical competition that involvs global powers and has important implications for regional stability. The dynamics of this competition directly affect the development and control of essential transportation corridors in the region. To turn this competition into constructive cooperation, Iran must actively engage with the Middle Corridor. Such interaction will not only strengthen the North-South Corridor, but will also strengthen Iran's relations with its neighbors and help reduce its isolation.