The Turkish Model as Inspiration for Iran: A Call for Reform and Global Balance

The Turkish Model: A Solution for Power Balance in Tehran On June 25, 2026, regional media reported that Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a reformist politician and former mayor of Tehran, emphasized the necessity of revising Iran's macro policies in an interview with Anadolu Agency. He described the approach of Turkey and Pakistan—which have managed to maintain political and cultural independence while establishing balanced relations with global powers—as an ideal model for Iran [1]. Karbaschi believes that in today's world, no country can achieve sustainable development in complete isolation, and Iran must benefit from its western neighbor's experience in attracting capital and constructive engagement.

Moving Beyond Traditional Confrontation Toward Constructive Engagement Analysts believe that the roots of anti-Western sentiment in Iran, formed since the 1979 revolution, now clash with 21st-century economic realities. In his remarks, Karbaschi emphasized that while national independence is a non-negotiable principle, it should not come at the cost of damaging people's livelihoods and national interests [1]. He noted that Turkey, despite its NATO membership and extensive ties with the West, has managed to preserve its national and Islamic identity while becoming one of the region's economic hubs. This call for "Turkification" indicates a shift in taste within a segment of Iran's political body to move past current deadlocks.

Regional Diplomacy and Bilateral Cooperation These statements come as relations between Tehran and Ankara have seen positive movements in recent days. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a recent phone call with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasized the need to strengthen economic cooperation and reach a $30 billion trade target [2]. Additionally, Turkey's mediating role in recent Iran-US negotiations in Switzerland has highlighted the country's position as a successful model in diplomacy for Iranian officials [3].

The Necessity of Structural Reforms in the Islamic World Simultaneously with these internal debates in Iran, Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, called for comprehensive reforms (from A to Z) in Islamic countries during the Baku summit. He emphasized that reform does not mean abandoning Islamic values, but rather adapting to contemporary realities to benefit from economic potential [3]. This synchronicity between internal calls in Iran and reform proposals from Ankara could be a turning point in the strategic relations between the two countries and a shift in the region's development policies.