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So something I've been wondering for a while is what happens if instead of launching operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Germans invade Turkey and the middle east in 1941?

This is Hitler and the Nazis we're talking about so we'll have to assume they'll invade the Soviet Union eventually, but assuming a quick victory in Iraq and Egypt that should still be possible in the Spring of 1942.

The advantages of this would be when the invasion of the Soviet Union does start it will be much easier to capture the Baku oilfields, which I believe provided something like 70 or 80 percent of the Soviet Unions oil for the war. Also material from the Mediterranean theater will be available for use in the east and the Germans get to invade in spring not summer.

Disadvantage the Soviets have another year to prepare their armed forces.

One thing i;m not certain about is Iran who had influence there and if they could be brought into the Axis or Allies camp. Iran provides direct access to Central Asia but also borders British India.

Those are my thoughts but I don't really have the knowledge to predict how it would play out. So if Germany went for the middle east first and then the Soviet Union what do think would've happened?
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