Iranian scholars’ perceptions of security issues between Türkiye and Iran: a content analysis

This article explores how Iranian academic writings have approached Türkiye within the context of security and threat perceptions. Rather than assuming security threats as objectively given, the study focuses on how they are framed and interpreted in scholarly discourse. While academic production does not directly reflect state policy, it offers valuable insight into the intellectual environment in which security-related meanings are constructed and debated. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of Iranian academic publications from 2012 to 2024, the study shows that Türkiye is rarely depicted through a singular or coherent threat narrative. Earlier works largely emphasised pragmatic interaction, regional interdependence and the constraints imposed by geography, suggesting that Türkiye was not positioned as a central security concern. However, following the Second Karabakh War, a more competitive tone becomes visible. Türkiye’s involvement in the South Caucasus is increasingly discussed in relation to shifting regional balances and Iran’s perceived loss of influence. Despite this shift, the literature continues to underline areas where cooperation remains necessary, including border security, energy transit and regional crisis management. Overall, the findings point to a fluid and issue-dependent perception of Türkiye, shaped by changing regional dynamics rather than a stable or comprehensive threat assessment.