Following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Iran, speculation is rife about a new regional policy Ankara is trying to develop for the Middle East. This is said to be predicated on a return to Turkey’s former role as a potential mediator in regional crises, which it held prior to the Arab Spring.

There are those who argue that Ankara wants to shed the appearance of being a member of a regional Sunni alliance, and to be a facilitator instead for peace between Sunnis and Shiites in a turbulent part of the world marked by an increase in sectarian conflicts. It is noteworthy that Erdogan has been trying recently to actively distance himself from any suggestion that he harbors Sunni sympathies against Shiites.

This approach contrasts with his affront against Iran not so long ago, when he accused Tehran of vying for regional dominance, and pledged diplomatic and logistical support to the Saudi-led operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen that are backed by Iran.

Erdogan moderated this angry tone during his one-day visit to Tehran on April 7, which resulted in an agreement to cooperate with Iran for a mediated solution to the Yemen crisis. The sides also agreed to set up a diplomatic mechanism between them to follow up on this agreement.