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

Analysts in the region viewed the timing and nature of the trip through a political lens, suggesting it was part of Ahmadinejad's sustained efforts to demonstrate a continued base of support, both domestically and internationally, following repeated disqualifications from running in Iranian presidential elections. By engaging with a receptive public and key political figures in Turkey, he was effectively staging a form of 'soft power' demonstration to signal his political viability, regardless of the explicit bans imposed by Iran’s Guardian Council.