Turkish intel chief Ibrahim Kalın met with Iranian counterparts to discuss terrorist threats, particularly PKK and Daesh, and regional issues including Syria and Palestine. Both nations face challenges from the PKK, leading to regional security cooperation despite historical differences over conflicts like Syria.
Ibrahim Kalın, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), engaged in discussions with Iranian officials regarding terrorism and regional issues. These talks with Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib and security chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian focused on combating terrorist threats, particularly those posed by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) and Daesh, as well as the current situation in Syria and developments concerning Palestine.
Concerns arose particularly regarding the PKK’s activities, which span across Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Last month, MIT conducted a successful operation in Iraq, eliminating Islam Dotkanlou, a significant leader of the PKK in Iran. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler raised issues about Iran’s leniency towards the PKK, noting that Turkey had provided intelligence about PKK movements but received unsatisfactory responses from Iranian counterparts.
Historically, Turkey and Iran have had opposing positions in the Syrian conflict, with Turkey supporting Assad’s opponents and Iran backing his regime. Following the fall of Assad in December, Kalın made a notable visit to Syria. Furthermore, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Palestine, highlighting both nations’ support for Hamas and their stance against Israel.
The relationship between Turkey and Iran is complex, primarily influenced by their divergent positions in regional conflicts and their common concerns regarding terrorism. Both nations face challenges from the PKK, which operates across their borders. While Turkey has expressed frustration with Iran’s perceived under-responsiveness to PKK activities, both countries maintain a dialogue to address shared security concerns and geopolitical developments, particularly in Syria and Palestine.
The recent discussions between Turkish and Iranian intelligence officials underscore the urgency of cooperation against terrorism, particularly regarding the PKK. Both nations are navigating their historical differences, especially in light of the Syrian war, while maintaining a common focus on terrorism and regional stability. The dialogue reflects a strategic attempt to reconcile differences through collaboration on pressing issues affecting both countries.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
