ANKARA: The launch of TRT Farsi, a Persian-language service by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), has sparked debate regarding its potential influence and objectives. While some view the establishment of this channel as a standard media expansion, others express concern over Turkey’s intentions, suggesting that the channel may serve strategic purposes beyond neutral news dissemination.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, TRT Farsi is the latest addition to TRT’s international network, becoming its 12th foreign language platform. Officially, the channel aims to deliver impartial news to millions of Persian speakers globally, as stated on the YouTube channel of TRT World. However, analysts speculate that the network could aim to sway Iranian Azeri speakers and other regional audiences.

Hamid Ziayiparvar, a seasoned journalist, remarked in an interview with IRNA that TRT Farsi, as an arm of Turkey’s official network, will likely broadcast the country’s positions in Persian. He downplayed the potential impact of Turkish media, predicting limited popularity among Iranian viewers.

In contrast, Salar Seyfoddini, a geopolitics expert, warned that Turkey might leverage TRT Farsi for purposes beyond entertainment and tourism, potentially using it as a strategic tool after attracting an audience. He expressed skepticism about the political affiliations of some participants at the channel’s opening ceremony, suggesting that Turkey could employ the channel in future geopolitical maneuvers related to Iran’s national interests, particularly in northern Iraq, Iran, or the South Caucasus.