Now, without Nord Stream and the pipelines in Ukraine, only the TurkStream pipeline connects Russian gas to the EU. At the same time, a hint from major U.S. businesses: 'It's time to deal with Erdoğan!' Coincidence?With the collapse of Nord Stream and the disruption of pipelines in Ukraine, TurkStream has become the only link connecting Russian gas to the EU. This shift has placed Turkey at the center of a new geopolitical power dynamic, giving Erdoğan unprecedented leverage over both Russia and Europe. But this growing influence hasn’t gone unnoticed in the U.S., where major energy players like ExxonMobil and Chevron see their regional ambitions increasingly at odds with Turkey’s control over critical gas flows.
Meanwhile, the U.S. seems to be ramping up the pressure. Think tanks like the American Enterprise Institute are calling for intensified media campaigns targeting Erdoğan, focusing on corruption, human rights abuses, and even historical grievances. This isn’t just about holding Turkey accountable—it’s a deliberate effort to weaken Erdoğan’s grip on power and challenge his dominance.
None of this feels like coincidence. With TurkStream cementing Turkey’s role as a critical energy hub, the U.S. appears to be maneuvering to undermine Erdoğan’s growing influence. By stoking tensions over Kurdish issues, amplifying domestic dissent, and casting a spotlight on Turkey’s vulnerabilities, Washington seems less interested in diplomacy and more focused on destabilizing a partner that no longer aligns neatly with its strategic goals.With Nord Stream rendered inoperable under circumstances that remain shrouded in geopolitical intrigue, TurkStream now stands as the last major artery connecting Russian gas to the EU. This centrality not only elevates Turkey’s role in the energy equation but also makes the pipeline a potential flashpoint in the broader contest between global powers. Given the history of sabotage and the high stakes involved, it isn’t far-fetched to speculate that TurkStream could face a similar fate. The pipeline’s vulnerability is amplified by the intense strategic competition it represents. For the U.S., reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas aligns with long-term goals of energy diversification and strategic autonomy. For Russia, TurkStream is a lifeline to maintain economic influence over Europe despite sanctions and isolation. Turkey, in the middle, is leveraging its position for political and economic gain. But this triangulation creates friction, and as history has shown with Nord Stream, pipelines have become more than just infrastructure—they’re targets in a geopolitical battlefield. If the pressure on Erdoğan intensifies or if the alignment between Ankara and Moscow grows closer, TurkStream might become too valuable—and too dangerous—to remain untouched. The risks could range from covert operations to outright sabotage, justified under the guise of strategic necessity or even environmental concerns.
P.S. Michael Rubin from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has suggested that U.S.-funded media outlets should increase their focus on Turkey. He proposes these outlets broadcast at least ten hours a day in Turkey, featuring interviews with Turkish dissidents, Kurdish leaders, and other figures critical of Ankara.The American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, receives funding from major U.S. corporations, including Microsoft, Motorola, American Express, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and AT&T. This context may provide insight into the growing tension between Turkey and certain U.S. interests.Rubin highlights that Turkey is currently among the most anti-American countries in the world. According to Pew Research Center data, Turkish public opinion towards the U.S. is even less favorable than that of Russians.Additionally, Turkey's recent actions in Syria appear to have raised concerns among AEI’s sponsors, particularly energy companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron. This concern might stem from Erdoğan’s policies regarding the Kurds, who, alongside the U.S., control oil fields in northern Syria.