The Ottoman advance on Isfahan posed a significant threat to the Safavid Empire as it undermined their territorial integrity and control over key trade routes. Isfahan, being the capital of the Safavid Empire, was not only a political center but also a symbol of Safavid power and legitimacy. The Ottomans aimed to expand their influence in the region, which could potentially destabilize Safavid rule and incite internal dissent. This military pressure forced the Safavids to divert resources and attention to defend their territory, straining their already vulnerable state.