FDD Morning Brief Is Turkey the new Iran? | feat. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, guest hosted by Sinan Ciddi
Apr 3, 2026
Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, a Tel Aviv University researcher on Turkish politics, unpacks Ankara’s regional strategy. He discusses Turkey’s stance toward Iran, concerns about Kurds and refugees, and the pragmatic U.S.-Turkey relationship. Conversation covers ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas-related security issues, education shifts toward Islamist narratives, and whether Turkey could follow Iran’s path.
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Why Turkey Wants A Weak Predictable Iran
- Turkey prefers a predictable, weakened Iran because a pro-Western Tehran would erode Ankara's regional monopoly and strategic importance.
- Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak cites historical ties, containment fears from the Israeli-Greek-Cypriot axis, Kurdish spillover risks, refugee pressures, and economic instability as drivers.
US Uses Turkey As A Strategic Card Not A Conscript
- Washington avoids pressing Turkey to join anti-Iran measures because Turkey is a pivotal regional actor the US prefers to use selectively across theaters.
- Cohen Yanarocak argues pragmatic US leaders, including Donald Trump, value Turkey for Syria reconstruction and other leverage, so they won't push Ankara on Iran.
Turkey As A Hub For Muslim Brotherhood Networks
- Erdogan treats Muslim Brotherhood branches as instruments to expand influence, turning Turkey into a regional hub for Islamist actors like Hamas.
- Cohen Yanarocak points to freed prisoners, Hamas command activity in Turkey, and Israeli security concerns as evidence.