Türkiye, Iran affirm close ties during talks, focusing on Syria, regional stability

Director of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian have discussed bilateral relations during a meeting in Tehran.

The discussions centered on combating terrorist groups, specifically the PKK and Islamic State (IS), addressing shared threats, the situation in Syria, the Gaza ceasefire, and developments concerning the Palestinian issue, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media. 

Both sides emphasised that the relationship between Türkiye and Iran remains strong and brotherly, with their positions aligning on key issues. The meeting occurred at a crucial moment, as Syria continues to experience instability. The positions of both sides on Syria are vital in light of the ongoing regional conflicts and the effort to establish a stable governance structure in the country. 

Kalin's visit comes after his recent trips to Damascus, where he held talks with Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, signaling a focus on the post-Bashar al-Assad era.

Iran was forced to withdraw its forces from Syria after Islamist groups based in Idlib, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (an organisation banned in Russia), entered Damascus and took control of the country. Iran had fully supported the regime of Syrian ex-President Bashar al-Assad, providing the country with loans, fuel, and weapons for certain military units. Tehran also made significant investments in the infrastructure and armament of its forces stationed in Syria.

By Naila Huseynova