Turkish Foreign Minister: Washington has no intention of involving Kurdish forces in the war
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the U.S. has no plans to involve Kurdish parties in the ongoing conflict with Iran, countering speculation on the matter during a press briefing in Istanbul.
During a press briefing in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him that the United States does not intend to involve Kurdish parties in the conflict against Iran. Fidan mentioned that he had raised concerns about the potential inclusion of Kurdish forces during a phone call with Rubio, who effectively dismissed those fears. This clarification comes amidst ongoing speculation about the role of Kurdish groups in regional dynamics, particularly concerning Iran.
Fidan expressed Turkey's vigilance on this issue, asserting that the Turkish government is closely monitoring developments through its foreign affairs and security institutions. He highlighted the longstanding attempts by certain parties, particularly Israel, to leverage Kurdish forces for their regional strategies, including influences against Iran. The Turkish Foreign Minister communicated a clear stance, indicating that expanding the conflict or adding new players would complicate the situation further and increase risks in the region.
The backdrop of these comments includes previous statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had encouraged Kurdish militant groups from Iraq to consider striking Iran, which aligns with greater tensions in the Middle East. This latest development underscores the intricate geopolitical tensions surrounding Kurdish groups, U.S. foreign policy in the region, and Turkey's ongoing efforts to maintain its influence and security interests.