The railway linking Iran's Tehran to Turkey's Van was launched on Sunday with a train leaving the Iranian capital for the eastern Turkish city.

Tehran’s recent setbacks have paved the way for Ankara’s ascent. The Ankara-backed Azerbaijan’s triumph over Tehran-backed Armenia, Turkish-supported militias outmaneuvering Iran’s influence in Syria,

A diplomatic falling out between Turkey and Iran escalated on Tuesday as Ankara summoned a senior Iranian diplomat – the latest development in a war of words between officials from the neighbouring countries.

Turkey and Iran have been regional rivals for decades, with Syria as a key battleground. The ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December significantly shifted the power dynamics in the country, strengthening Ankara's position while weakening Iran's influence.

FILE - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 24, 2025. Fidan's recent criticism of Iranian support for militias in the Middle East triggered diplomatic discussions with the countries' ambassadors.

Iran has also been investing in a north-south economic corridor that will link the Caucasus and Russia with the Persian Gulf.

Iran and Turkey have summoned each other’s diplomats for discussions, officials said Tuesday, after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Tehran’s policy of supporting militias in Syria and elsewhere.

Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Ankara on Tuesday for discussions on bilateral issues, a spokesperson for the ministry confirmed.

An assistant to the Iranian foreign minister called on Turkey to avoid making comments or giving analyses that are to the detriment of the two neighbors’ mutual interests.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman has reacted to the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's statements against Iran's regional policies.

Iran and Turkey engage in diplomatic discussions after Turkey criticizes Iran's support for militias. The discussions emphasize avoiding remarks that could escalate tensions. Both nations stress focusing on Middle Eastern issues rather than using foreign policy for domestic politics,