Iran and Turkey have recently strengthened their relationship, with both countries uniting in criticism of Israel. However, tensions between Ankara and Tehran have resurfaced due to Iran’s supply of weapons to the Kurdish insurgency in Iraq. Ankara is particularly concerned about the use of an Iranian-made air defense system by the Kurdish insurgency to intercept Turkish army drones in northern Iraq.
The Kurdish insurgency has been using Iranian-supplied 358 missiles, similar to those provided to Hezbollah and Houthi rebels, against Turkish targets. This development comes amidst regional events, including Iraq’s increasing international cooperation, which excludes Iran. Turkey and Iraq have initiated a land corridor project, but Ankara has expressed the need for a military operation in northern Iraq to eradicate the Kurdish insurgency, prompting Iran’s support for Turkey’s rivals.
Iraq’s granting of oil and gas exploration ventures to Chinese companies has also sparked tensions, as Iran aims to maintain influence in Iraq. The Kurdish insurgency relies on illegal sources of income, including the drug trade, to fund its operations. Iran supplies missile systems to the Kurdish insurgency, which are assembled by underground operatives. The role of Hashd al-Shaabi, pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, in using and assembling 358 missiles is significant.
Hashd al-Shaabi’s financing is backed by Iraq’s budget and represents a challenge to Iranian influence in Iraq. The increasing cooperation between Iran and the Kurdish insurgency raises questions about their collaboration with Hashd al-Shaabi. Any strengthening of this relationship will oppose the interests of Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia. The evolving dynamics between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq demonstrate the complex geopolitical relationships in the region.
In summary, recent developments have brought tensions between Turkey and Iran back into focus due to their differing views on how best
