Erdogan Positions Turkey as Key Mediator Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions
By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Parisa Hafezi
ISTANBUL/DUBAI, Feb 5 (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has positioned his nation as a critical buffer against a potential military confrontation between the United States and Iran, declaring that Ankara is exerting maximum effort to prevent simmering tensions from igniting a new war in the Middle East.
The statement comes at a precarious moment, with a planned diplomatic meeting hanging in the balance over fundamental disagreements. The core dispute centers on Washington's insistence that any negotiations must address Iran's ballistic missile program and regional activities, while Tehran vows to discuss only the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.
"We are doing our utmost to stop this tension from escalating into a conflict," Erdogan told reporters aboard his return flight from a state visit to Egypt, according to a transcript released by his office. He suggested that high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian leadership would be a logical next step following technical negotiations.
Erdogan's mediation push leverages years of carefully cultivated ties with both sides. He maintains a working relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump while also engaging with Iran, allowing Ankara to project diplomatic influence across a volatile region.
The immediate crisis stems from a deadlock over the agenda for upcoming talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined a broad list of demands encompassing missiles, Iran's support for proxy groups, and human rights. Iran has flatly rejected this, warning that broadening the scope beyond the nuclear file could collapse the process entirely.
Logistical disputes have further complicated matters. While Istanbul was initially proposed, the venue has shifted to Muscat, Oman—a location Iran prefers due to its history hosting nuclear-focused talks. However, officials indicate no breakthrough on the substantive issues has been achieved.
The diplomatic wrangling occurs against a backdrop of significant military posturing. The U.S. has deployed additional troops, an aircraft carrier strike group, and advanced aircraft to the Gulf. President Trump has issued stark warnings, telling NBC News that Iran's Supreme Leader "should be very worried" and hinting at "bad things" if no agreement is reached.
Regional powers, wary of being caught in the crossfire of a potential U.S.-Iran clash, are watching nervously. Israel's ongoing campaigns against Iranian-linked forces from Gaza to Yemen have already diminished Tehran's regional sway, but a full-scale conflict could unleash unpredictable and devastating consequences across the Middle East.
Analyst & Public Reaction:
"Erdogan is playing a dangerous but necessary game," says David Chen, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. "Turkey's unique position allows it to pass messages when direct channels are frozen. However, the fundamental gap between Washington's maximalist demands and Tehran's minimalist approach may be too wide for any mediator to bridge."
"This is just political theater. Erdogan is posturing for regional clout while the U.S. military buildup speaks louder than words," argues Sarah Jenkins, a former State Department official, her tone sharp. "The administration's 'list of demands' is a non-starter designed to force a collapse. Calling this 'mediation' is naive. We are barreling towards a strategic miscalculation."
"Any dialogue, however fraught, is better than open conflict," offers Khalid Al-Mansouri, a political commentator based in Dubai. "The shift to Oman is a small but positive sign. The region cannot afford another war; the humanitarian and economic costs would be catastrophic."
"I'm terrified," shares Anahita R., a university student in Tehran reached via messaging app. "We hear the threats from Trump, see the news of ships and soldiers. The leaders talk about missiles and programs, but it's ordinary people who will pay the price. Everyone just wants to live in peace."
(Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by William Maclean)