Why it matters:
The stark warning from Ankara comes amid an increased U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf and rising regional tensions. As a key NATO ally with complex ties to both Washington and Tehran, Turkey is positioning itself as a diplomatic intermediary, joining other regional players in urgent efforts to de-escalate the situation through dialogue and prevent a new war.
What he's saying:
Kurtulmuş argued that even a "short-term" attack could spiral into a prolonged conflict, leading to "widespread instability and long-term crises" that no one can predict.
He pointed to past US military interventions, stating that America "has not been able to achieve its goals" in places like Afghanistan and Iraq and has only incurred "very high costs."
The Turkish official also highlighted the influence of external actors, specifically mentioning the "Zionist lobby" and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he suggested are pushing for a more aggressive US policy toward Iran.
The big picture:
While Turkey calls for restraint, Iran has consistently signaled its readiness to defend its sovereignty against any aggression. This demonstrated military preparedness, including its sophisticated missile program and regional influence, is widely seen by analysts as a key factor contributing to Washington's apparent hesitancy to launch a direct military campaign. This dynamic, Iran's defensive capabilities deterring a full-scale U.S. attack, underscores the high-stakes calculation facing policymakers and fuels the diplomatic push by regional powers like Turkey to find a peaceful resolution.
Go deeper:
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