After the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was published, Turkish commentators said Ankara came out of the crisis with three major goals fully achieved. They argued that Turkey wanted first to serve as a mediator between the sides and to prove it could act as a key diplomatic player in the Middle East and between global powers, and that it did so during the talks leading to the deal.
The second goal, according to the commentators, was to prevent a Kurdish uprising or power vacuum in Kurdish areas. They said Ankara feared the conflict could strengthen Kurdish forces, but that Turkey succeeded in keeping the sensitive regions stable.
The third goal was to stop a possible wave of refugees into Turkish territory. Turkey already hosts millions of Syrian refugees, and officials feared the war could trigger another influx. The reports say that did not happen, and the crisis did not produce a significant refugee wave.
The memorandum, published Thursday evening, contains 14 clauses ending the war. A close reading shows major U.S. concessions, including the lifting of sanctions and a future commitment to help rebuild Iran. The article says Turkey’s gains strengthen Ankara’s standing as an important regional actor and show its ability to balance the interests of major powers while protecting its own national interests.
