During the 2017 blockade of Qatar, Türkiye stepped in to deliver food and essential supplies, with Turkish exports to Doha surging nearly 90 percent and helping stabilise the country’s economy. The episode reinforced Ankara’s image as a dependable regional ally.
Nearly a decade later, the Middle East faces renewed turmoil after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, disrupting trade and raising economic uncertainty.
Analysts say Türkiye is again emerging as a diplomatic and economic lifeline. Traders in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region increasingly rely on Turkish supply routes as instability in Iran threatens shortages of food and fuel.
According to Mian Waqar Badshah from Istanbul University, Türkiye’s policy of maintaining dialogue with all sides has strengthened its diplomatic influence. Ankara previously balanced relations during the Russia–Ukraine War and helped broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative to ease global food shortages.
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s growing economy and strategic location linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East are attracting regional investment. The United Arab Emirates has launched a $10 billion investment fund in Türkiye, while Saudi Arabia has signed renewable energy agreements worth about $2 billion.
Analysts say Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement and economic strength continue to position it as both a trusted mediator and a stable partner during regional crises.
Source: Newstimehub
