Populist Surge: Former President's Turkey Trip Sparks Regional Buzz and Domestic Fury

The Turkish government, while officially maintaining diplomatic protocol with the current Iranian administration, may also view the engagement with former figures like Ahmadinejad as a subtle tool of soft power, keeping lines of communication open and acknowledging the diversity of the Iranian political spectrum. Hosting a prominent, if currently out-of-favor, Iranian politician provides an opportunity for Turkey to signal its independence and regional centrality.