US renews welcome on Turkish intent to mediate between Iran, west

The United States said although it is involved in a tactical difference with Turkey over Iran's controversial nuclear program, it still welcomes Ankara's intention to mediate between Iran and the West, which accuses Tehran of attempting to obtain an atomic bomb. "Turkey, I think, wants to play a mediating role. They believe that they have particular links and contacts with Iran that we don't have, and that it's important for them to be able to play that role," US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Phil Gordon told a panel late last week at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington think-tank. "We welcome that type of role. If Turkey can talk to both sides, I think the Turks see themselves that way in the region," he said. "They've long had good ties with Israel, but also the Arab world, and they can talk to both sides, and they've played a constructive role in that area." But Gordon also said Turkey should understand that Iran will pay a price if it continues to refuse to reconcile with the West on the nuclear dispute. "We have said (to the Turks), that's fine, and please do help, but Iran needs to understand the message of the international community that there are consequences for not responding to what we think are generous offers of engagement," he said. Gordon said the US-Turkish differences over Iran are "tactical."