The two countries are among the ancient civilisations and are also old competitors for playing a dominant role in the Middle East power structure as well. <...> Further the US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001 and 2003 added extra fuel to their competition by created a power vacuum in the power structure of the region. <...> However despite ideological differences between the two countries maintained peaceful relations as there are certain concerns like geopolitical realities and economic interests, energy, Iran’s isolation in world politics due to US led sanctions etc that compelled the two nations to work together. <...> Even Turkey played very active role in mediating between Iran and US for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue peacefully. <...> However the upspring in Middles Eastern countries once again brought their difference to forefront particularly with respect to ongoing Syrian crisis. <...> Both the countries alleged one another for adding fuel to the crises in the region in order to safeguard their national interests. <...> In this situation of uncertainties, this paper would try to look into the changing nature of Iran-Turkey relationship in post 9/11 era and try to analyse and pinpoint the areas of competition between the two countries and its effects on regional peace and stability. <...> Keywords: Iran, Turkey, sanctions, the political situation in the Middle East. <...> Introduction The Middle East has been one of the most vital and strategically important regions in the World politics. <...> The issues which have been the bone of contention throughout its history are oil, strategic infl uence and market. <...> The United States invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq following the 9/11 attack set alarm bells ringing in several countries in the Middle East. <...> The Key regional countries like Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia © Siberian Federal University. <...> All rights reserved * Corresponding author E-mail address: mukhtarbhatamu@gmail.com # 318 # interpreted the invasion as the fi rst major step in a process of enforcing “regime change” in the region. <...> No doubt Iran experienced its encirclement and threat to its survival because of its relations with US and by the presence of the western forces in Iran’s neighbouring countries Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Asia and in the strategically important Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat. <...> Further in post 9/11 era the two countries Iran and Turkey emerged as crucial actors in maintaining <...>