An Analysis and Assessment of Turkey’s Foreign Policy in Iraq and Its Impact on National Interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran (2010-2023)

The purpose of the present research is to study Turkey’s foreign policy in front of Iraq and its impact on national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, the theory of neorealism along with a descriptive-analytic method was used. The results showed that Turkey’s foreign policy in Iraq is based on increasing penetration, acquiring better position, and maintaining power balance with Iran which, on the one hand, has common interests for both countries, and on the other hand, involves contradictory interests. At for positive points and collaboration, this subject is rooted in the geography of 3 countries and is a function of regional environment, terrorism, and Kurds’ issue while with respect to competition, it is due to the expansion of the penetration of 2 countries in Iraq. Iran supports the policy of sustaining the status quo whereas Turkey seeks changing the current situation. Iran considers itself as an ally of Iraq while Turkey pursues hegemony and regional leadership. On the other hand, in the economic field, Turkey aims to acquire the highest share of trade and take control of energy transmission from Iraq to Europe. Therefore, it can be said that Turkey mostly uses means of soft power for its hard purposes while Iran uses components of hard power for its soft purposes.