Iran Exerts Pressure on Iraq to Eliminate Kurdish Dissident Groups

• Roshan Amiri
• . August 28, 2023
• . Update: August 28, 2023 6:30 pm
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According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iran has stepped up its attempts to encourage Iraq to expel Kurdish dissident organizations it holds responsible for terrorism and separatism. Over the past year, tensions between the two nations have risen, with Iran using drone and missile assaults on Iraqi Kurds as part of its effort to stifle opposition to its regime. These actions were particularly sparked by the demonstrations that broke out after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, an Iranian Kurd.

Nasser Kanaani, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, announced that Iran and Iraq had achieved a deal under which Iraq was required to disarm and expel armed terrorist and separatist groups from its territory by the end of September. The fact that the majority of these Kurdish parties are found in Iraq’s autonomous northern region, however, raises doubts about its compliance. Kurdish activity has historically been very active in this area.

Notably, the PDKI, PAK, and Komala are among Iran’s target populations; these organizations mostly comprise Iranian Kurdish refugees who have fled Iran over the previous few decades. Although these organizations were not specifically mentioned in the statement, Iran has attacked them in the past. Northern Iran and Iraq are also home to the PJAK terrorist organization.

Iran’s conflicting stance on Kurdish organizations is shown by this. It maintains cooperation with some Kurdish political organizations, like the PUK, in Sulimaniyeh even though it opposes armed rebel factions. This is true even when there are rebel groups close by.

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The announcement by the Iranian government raises concerns about its capacity to effectively disarm and eradicate these groups. It is difficult to verify these factions’ disarmament because they frequently use tiny weaponry and rugged terrain. Despite this, Iran seems to be attempting to restrict the operation of these groups this fall, especially around the anniversary of Mahsa Jina Amini’s passing.

There are worries that the most recent change in Iran’s relations with Iraq could lead to a crisis between the two nations. Iranian efforts to exert control over the situation are still ongoing, and regional and international observers are keenly monitoring Iran’s intentions and deeds.

There are worries that the most recent change in Iran’s relations with Iraq could lead to a crisis between the two nations. Iranian efforts to exert control over the situation are still ongoing, and regional and international observers are keenly monitoring Iran’s intentions and behavior.