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Shafaq News
13-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq-Iran memorandum: Tighten border control and address opposition groups
Shafaq News – Baghdad A senior Iraqi security source revealed on Wednesday details of a newly signed security memorandum between Iraq and Iran, which evolved from a previous security record into a formal memorandum of understanding. The source told Shafaq News that the memorandum addresses the presence of Iranian opposition groups in northern Iraq. These groups, mainly Kurdish-Iranian factions such as the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) and Komala, have operated for decades from bases in the Kurdistan Region near the Iranian border. Tehran regards them as armed insurgents, while they describe themselves as political movements opposing Iran's government. The agreement, according to the source, also seeks to prevent the emergence of armed formations similar to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a Kurdish militant group active along Iraq's northern borders with Turkiye. It further outlines mechanisms for intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and increased joint monitoring in designated border sectors. These measures aim to curb armed activities that could threaten security and stability, particularly in remote highland areas where Iraqi, Iranian, and Kurdish territories converge. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani oversaw the signing of the memorandum with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, during his visit to Baghdad. The US Department of State voiced opposition to the memorandum, saying Washington rejects any arrangement that runs counter to its objectives or undermines efforts to strengthen Iraq's existing security institutions. Baghdad denounced the US stance, stressing that it is not subordinate to the policies of any other state and that its decisions are guided solely by its 'independent national will.'
Memri
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Free Balochistan Movement: The Way Israel Is Resisting The Iranian State's Expansionism And Terrorism Is Commendable; Extremist And Fundamentalist States Like Iran And Pakistan Are Common Enemies Of B
The following is a statement on Israel's preemptive strike against Iran by the secular Free Balochistan Movement, headed by the renowned Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. After Israel's June 12 strike on Iran, the need to support the non-Persian ethnic groups in the country to bring about the collapse of the Ayatollahs' regime has become clearer. A coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups could topple the regime in a few months. It is worth noting that, unlike the Persian anti-regime population, the non-Persian anti-regime population is militarily organized. Concerning the Kurds, the following are their armed groups present on the ground ready to fight the Iranian regime: the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Komala), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). These are well-known political parties and armed groups: KDPI has been around since the 1940s and Komala since the 1960s. They can gather thousands of people. The Balochs have the Baloch Army, which is an umbrella organization that covers the whole of Balochistan and is led by the secular and committed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Ahwazi National Resistance is the secret armed group of Ahwaz. There are no Persian organized militarized anti-regime groups on the ground in Iran. Following is a statement of the Free Balochistan Movement:[1] "Israel's Decisive Military Actions Against The Iranian regime Are Not Only Encouraging But Also Represent A Positive Sign For The Baloch People, Who Have Long Suffered Under Iranian Colonialism" "The spokesperson of the Free Balochistan Movement said in a statement that the situation in the region is changing rapidly and this transformation could become a rare and significant opportunity for Baloch national independence – provided that those responsible for the Baloch national independence struggle, along with the Baloch people, who are the true source of this movement, establish mutual unity and consensus, consolidate their dispersed national strength into a single front, and maintain unwavering faith in their national power and cause. "The statement noted that nations always make difficult decisions based on their interests. To benefit from the current developments in the region, it is imperative that we set aside all partisan, group-based, and individual interests and preferences, and adhere to the core principles and regulations of the Baloch independence movement and collective national interests. "The current regional situation represents a decisive phase for the Baloch nation. Our national identity is facing severe threats under the occupation of Pakistan and Iran and if the Baloch people do not unite at this critical juncture to protect their interests, history will never forgive us for this failure. "The spokesperson further stated that whether it is the Sunni-majority state of Pakistan or the Shia-led state of Iran, both have spared no effort in committing genocide against the Baloch. However, the way in which Israel is resisting the Iranian state's expansionism and terrorism is commendable. It is a clear fact that Israel is not an enemy of the Baloch nation. On the contrary, extremist and fundamentalist states like Iran and Pakistan are common enemies of both Israel and the Baloch people. "The Baloch nation is fighting a battle for survival against these very states, and Israel's decisive military actions against the Iranian regime are not only encouraging but also represent a positive sign for the Baloch people, who have long suffered under Iranian colonialism." (Source: CIA) "The Baloch Nation Has Always Been A Victim Of Iranian Occupation, Which Continues Today In The Form Of Systematic Genocide" "However, we must also accept the harsh reality that sitting idly by, hoping that some global power will intervene to liberate the Baloch nation, is both illogical and naive. The evolving situation in the region involves multiple parties with their own agendas and interests, which may not necessarily align with the goals of the Baloch national struggle. Therefore, to achieve the restoration of Baloch national freedom and territorial sovereignty, it is vital that all Baloch people involved in the movement prioritize collective national interests, the requirements of the freedom struggle, and the independence of a united Balochistan. "The spokesperson added that the Iranian state has long pursued expansionist policies in the Middle East, resulting in ongoing instability and uncertainty across the region. Iran is not only occupying Baloch territory, but its expansionism has also affected the Arabs of Al-Ahwaz, Kurds, Turkmen, Lurs, and the Turks of South Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this critical period – when political and social conditions in the region are changing rapidly and the likelihood of border changes has increased – the Baloch nation should build relations with other oppressed nations resisting Iranian occupation and repression, and establish the principles and framework of effective partnerships, to maximize gains from this volatile situation. "The statement went on to say that the Baloch nation has always been a victim of Iranian occupation, which continues today in the form of systematic genocide. In the current scenario, where the Iranian regime is militarily weakened and isolated on the global stage, this moment represents an opportunity for the Baloch national struggle. Any military action against Iran should be viewed, albeit indirectly, as a development in favour of the Baloch cause. However, it is equally important to remember that in order to capitalize on such opportunities, unity and confidence in collective national strength are essential within the Baloch nation – so that it may effectively communicate its voice to the world." Balochis flying the flag of Balochistan. "Such Historic Moments Do Not Recur Frequently In the Region" "In this context, the Free Balochistan Movement has prepared a comprehensive document titled 'Democratic Transition Plan for Iran,' which outlines a phased strategy for liberation, developed in collaboration with occupied Balochistan and other subjugated nations, in view of possible regional transformations. Furthermore, a detailed document titled 'Balochistan Liberation Charter'[2] has already been compiled, outlining the administrative roadmap of an independent Balochistan and shedding full light on its post-independence political and social governance. "The spokesperson concluded the statement by adding that the Baloch issue within Pakistan and Iran is not a matter of fair resource distribution or power-sharing, to be resolved through so-called 'regime change' or internal reforms. Rather, the real issue is the Baloch nation's right to govern its own land with complete autonomy and freedom, and to present itself to the world as a distinct and independent national entity. The aims of the Baloch national liberation struggle are fundamentally different from the interests of external powers. "Such historic moments do not recur frequently in the region. This is a rare opportunity that the Baloch nation must seize by uniting its collective strength and demonstrating to the world that the Baloch, as a responsible nation, can contribute to peace, development, and stability in the region – and is fully capable of establishing an independent and sovereign state that meets all political, social, economic, and geographical criteria."
Memri
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Memri
A Coalition Of Non-Persian Ethnic Groups In Iran Could Topple The Ayatollahs' Regime In A Few Months
After Israel's June 12 strike on Iran, the need to support the non-Persian ethnic groups in the country to bring about the collapse of the Ayatollahs' regime has become clearer. A coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups could topple the regime in a few months. It is worth noting that, unlike the Persian anti-regime population, the non-Persian anti-regime population is militarily organized. Concerning the Kurds, the following are their armed groups present on the ground ready to fight the Iranian regime: the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Komala), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). These are well known political parties and armed groups: KDPI has been around since the 1940s and Komala since the 1960s. They can gather thousands of people. The Balochs have the Baloch Army, which is an umbrella organization that covers the whole of Balochistan and is led by the secular and committed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The Ahwazi National Resistance is the secret armed group of Ahwaz. There are no Persian organized militarized anti-regime groups on the ground in Iran.[1] President of the Executive Committee of Ahwaz Receives Secretary-General of the Komala Kurdistan Party[2] President Of The Executive Committee Of Ahwaz Receives Secretary-General Of The Komala Kurdistan Party To Discuss Iran's Future Amid escalating regional tensions, a delegation from the Komala Kurdistan Party, headed by Secretary-General Mr. Reza Kaabi, conducted an official visit to the headquarters of the Executive Committee of the State of Ahwaz.[3] The delegation was received by Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi, President of the Executive Committee of the State of Ahwaz. The two sides held an extensive meeting during which they discussed the latest political and security developments in the region, with a particular focus on the rapidly evolving situation inside Iran. The meeting addressed the shared challenges facing the non-Persian peoples of the region, chief among them the Kurdish and Ahwazi Arab peoples under Tehran's repressive policies toward ethnic minorities. They also discussed the Iranian regime's ongoing attempts to export its internal crises through nuclear brinkmanship and regional military escalation. Both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening political and media cooperation among liberation movements within Iran in order to support the right of peoples to self-determination and to work toward building strategic alliances that can realize their aspirations for freedom and independence. The two delegations also stressed the need to capitalize on the current international climate to raise the voices of oppressed peoples on the global stage and to push for recognition of their legitimate rights in accordance with international conventions. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to continued communication and coordination, and reiterated their unified stance on the future of Iran and its peoples based on a shared vision aimed at establishing democratic systems that guarantee justice and freedom for all components of the region.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan's Interior Minister: Iran border threat eliminated
Shafaq News/ Iranian Kurdish opposition groups no longer pose a military or security threat along the shared border, Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed stated on Wednesday. Ahmed confirmed to reporters that the joint high committee established by Iran, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region had completed its mandate, emphasizing that bilateral relations have now reached a 'constructive and advanced stage.' Addressing concerns over Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, he noted that 'appropriate measures' had been taken and 'these forces no longer represent a security or military threat along the shared border.' In September 2023, the joint high committee overseeing the implementation of the Iraq-Iran security agreement announced the complete evacuation of camps and headquarters belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region, in preparation for reclassifying them as refugees. The disarmament deadline under the Iraq-Iran security pact expired on September 19, 2023. Iranian officials had earlier threatened military action against the groups if Baghdad failed to implement the terms. About Kurdish Iranian Opposition The Iranian Kurdish opposition comprises various political and armed movements advocating for Kurdish rights, many of which have been based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Below is a summary of the key groups: • Kurdi stan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI): Founded in 1945, led by Mustafa Hijri • Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan: Founded in 1969, led by Abdullah Mohtadi • Khabat (Or ganization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle): Founded in 1980, led by Babashekh Hosseini • Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK): Founded in 1991, led by Hussein Yazdanpanah • Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK): Founded in 2004, led by Siamand Moeini and Zilan Vejin Iran has also launched cross-border strikes targeting their facilities, with operations by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involving missiles and drones. Tehran has accused these groups of contributing to unrest within its borders. Earlier, the Kurdistan Regional Government stated that it does not permit any group to use its territory to threaten neighboring states.
Rudaw Net
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iran to negotiate with US if sanctions lifted: FM
Also in Iran Iran prepared for war, but won't start it: IRGC chief Iran condemns extended UN investigation into rights violations Mahabad Kurd jailed in Iran for alleged KDPI links US sanctions target Iranian drone, missile networks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran's foreign minister on Saturday expressed Tehran's willingness to pursue nuclear talks with the United States in exchange for the lifting of what he called oppressive sanctions against his country. 'We are willing to pursue dialogue on our nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, based on the logic of trust-building in exchange for the lifting of oppressive sanctions against Iran,' Abbas Araghchi told diplomats in Tehran, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. US President Donald Trump is pressuring Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. He made an overture in a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last month, signaling openness to nuclear negotiations, but also threatened military action if Iran refuses to cooperate. 'In principle, direct negotiations with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter and that expresses contradictory positions by its various officials would be pointless, but we remain committed to diplomacy and are willing to try the path of indirect negotiations,' Araghchi said. Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also blamed the United States for contradictions in its approach to negotiations and criticized threats from Washington. 'Iran's response to the US President's letter was tailored to the content and tone of his letter, while at the same time preserving the opportunity to use diplomacy,' Araghchi added. In his letter, Trump signaled openness to new nuclear negotiations but warned of possible military action if Iran refused to cooperate. Later in March, he threatened to bomb Iranian interests if it avoided talks. On Monday, a top aide to Khamenei, Ali Larijani, warned that his country will have 'no choice' but to develop nuclear weapons if it comes under 'any attack' by the United States or Israel. Under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear enrichment program in exchange for much-needed relief from crippling sanctions. The deal began unraveling in 2018 when Trump, during his first term, unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord and reimposed biting sanctions on Iran. Tehran waited a year and then gradually ramped up its nuclear activities. After returning to office, Trump in early February restored his maximum pressure policy on Tehran, arguing that it is 'too close' to a nuclear weapon.
