The Vienna nuclear accord between Iran and the members of the P5+1 is a significant diplomatic breakthrough after more than a decade of tension. There are still plenty of unanswered questions regarding implementation and verification of the deal which is largely a technical arms control agreement. If it does not get torpedoed, the nuclear agreement may change the dynamics in Iran\u2019s neighbourhood beset by too many seemingly intractable problems. The opening up of Iran may encourage the regime of the Ayatollahs to play a more positive and constructive role in the Middle East or in the worst case scenario, it would add to the complexities of the region and turn it into more of a tinderbox than it already is.<\/p>\n
For Turkey, the deal between Iran and the six world powers has the potential to bear many fruits. Equally, taking the pressure off Iran may end up intensifying Turkey\u2019s historical rivalry with its neighbour.<\/p>\n
The Turkish academic at the\u00a0Centre for Southeast European Studies<\/a>, at the University of Graz, Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu thinks that unlike other regional powers such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, Turkey has not seen its relations with Iran in purely zero-sum terms and can benefit from an agreement between Iran and the West. \u201cAny development that contributes to healing regional tensions works in Turkey’s favour too, as do lower energy prices and increased trade opportunities\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Iranian sanctions relief is the most welcome aspect of the agreement. For Turkey, it will provide trade and investment opportunities across many sectors.<\/p>\n Calling the nuclear deal \u201cgreat news for Turkish economy\u201d, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said<\/a> that is was likely to boost bilateral trade and investments between the two countries.<\/p>\n Turkey\u2019s Energy Minister Taner Yildiz also saw opportunities. “Removal of sanctions on Iran is significant for investments in the country as well as oil prices,” he said.<\/a><\/p>\n Along with Israel and the Gulf countries, Turkey, too, feels uneasy about the knock-on effects of the rapprochement between the United States and Iran. The fear is that the Iranians will become bolder, more influential and it will use the windfall to boost up its allies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.<\/p>\n