Ankara/Tehran: Turkey has stepped in as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran in an attempt to avert escalating tensions in the Middle East. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has offered to host a teleconference between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s leadership to promote diplomacy and prevent a potential conflict.
According to officials cited by Middle East Eye, Ankara has proposed that Iran offer its vast oil reserves to the U.S. as a confidence-building measure. While Trump has reportedly shown interest in Turkey’s proposal, Tehran has not yet responded. Iranian President Masoud Pageshkian has also refrained from commenting on the offer. Turkish authorities hope that a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Istanbul later this week may provide an opportunity for discussions.
Oil as a Diplomatic Lever:
Hande Firat, a columnist for Turkey’s Hurriyet newspaper, reported that offering oil could encourage Trump to return to the negotiating table. She noted that Turkey’s intervention may have temporarily eased the crisis, but a long-term solution remains uncertain. If Tehran presents its oil reserves as leverage for cooperation, it could pave the way for renewed talks with Washington.
No Guarantees of Success:
Turkish officials have cautioned that there is no certainty the proposal will prevent a confrontation. Ankara had made a similar offer to Tehran during the June 2025 conflict, but Iran rejected it, disappointing Turkish mediators. Nevertheless, Turkey has consistently opposed foreign interference or military attacks in Iran and continues to push for diplomacy.
Influence of Israel on U.S. Policy:
Turkey’s authorities noted that Israel wields significant influence over the White House, with Trump reportedly guided by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On December 27, 2025, Netanyahu met Trump in Florida, providing a blueprint for military action against Iran. The following day, mass protests reportedly erupted in Iran, with foreign media claiming thousands of deaths. Trump has used these events to issue multiple warnings to Tehran, emphasizing that “Iran’s time is rapidly running out” and threatening further action if negotiations fail.
Background:
During the June 2025 conflict, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, U.S. forces struck targets in Iran, causing widespread destruction. Turkish authorities are now working to prevent a repeat scenario, using diplomacy and potential energy incentives as tools to de-escalate the situation.
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