Turkey's state television channel TRT launched its Persian-language service on 18 December, the broadcaster announced.

The launch of TRT Farsi is a significant expansion of the state broadcaster’s international reach amid strained relations with Iran and yet another foreign language service targeting the Islamic Republic, following other channels like Iran International, BBC Persian and VOA Farsi service. 

"TRT has become a centre of attraction in the media sphere. Without doubt, publishing content in Persian is a valuable service to humanity," said Fahrettin Altun, head of Turkey's Presidential Communications Directorate, at the launch ceremony in Ankara.

"The connection between two ancient nations remains powerful despite all challenges. One need only look at Rumi's Grand Divan to understand the strength of this bond," Altun said, referencing shared cultural heritage while citing Iranian author Jalal Al-e-Ahmad's critiques of Western influence.

TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobaci said the broadcaster's role is to challenge Western media dominance. "For years, international media was dominated by a one-sided, Western-centric view. Turkey, under President Erdogan's leadership, has challenged this monopoly," he said.

Addressing regional developments, Sobaci drew parallels between Syria and Gaza, stating, "Just as Assad's regime committed atrocities in Syria similar to what Israel is doing in Gaza, we've seen that as oppression intensifies, justice gains equal strength."

The service, TRT's twelfth language platform and ninth international service aims to reach over 130mn Persian speakers worldwide, according to the broadcaster.

The launch comes at a sensitive time following recent political changes in Syria following the fall of Tehran’s partner of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and deteriorating Tehran-Ankara relations following the collapse of the regime.

The initiative has sparked controversy following earlier remarks Sobaci in October, when he stated the channel aimed to "disturb Iran," prompting strong criticism from Iranian media officials and Turkish analysts alike.

At the launch, Sobaci struck a more conciliatory tone: "Through the Persian language and attention to shared cultural bonds, we seek to strengthen connections between nations. TRT Persian will play an important role in developing communications between Turks and Persian speakers as a credible platform."

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's recent comments about Iran "learning lessons" from Syria's political changes have further complicated the media initiative's reception. Iranian state media outlets sharply criticized these remarks as "exaggerated" and "sarcastic."

TRT says it has achieved 11bn views and 8bn video watches across its existing language services, with 60mn followers across digital platforms. The broadcaster operates 14 television channels and 19 radio stations in various languages including Turkish, English, Arabic, Azerbaijani, and Kurdish.