Author: Paul Iddon
Recent reports indicate that the United States and Turkey are in discussions regarding a proposal to resolve the ongoing dispute over Turkey’s acquisition of S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems from Russia in 2019. The proposed solution could potentially pave the way for Turkey’s reinstatement in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, enabling Ankara to purchase advanced stealth aircraft. The proposal involves allowing Turkey to keep the S-400 systems on its soil under American control and supervision at the US section of Turkey’s Incirlik Airbase. In exchange, the US would readmit Turkey into the F-35 program and lift sanctions imposed…
The United States and Europe have accused Iran of transferring close-range ballistic missiles to Russia for the first time, resulting in fresh sanctions against Tehran. This alleged transfer, denied by Iran, has raised concerns due to the timing coinciding with the new Iranian president’s efforts to seek sanctions relief. During a press briefing on September 9th, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder confirmed Iran’s transfer of Fath-360 missiles to Russia. The foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany condemned this action, leading to additional sanctions on Iran’s national airline. Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, aims for improved foreign relations and sanctions…
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are considering normalizing relations, which could impact the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The potential reconciliation, mediated by Iraq and supported by Russia, faces challenges such as Turkey’s military presence in Syria and the fate of Syrian refugees. Challenges and Prospects Despite positive statements from both leaders, distrust persists, as recent clashes near the border between Turkey and Syria show. The SDF, wary of losing territory in a Turkey-Syria deal, relies on US support. An agreement would entail complex refugee…
Turkey is once again using strong language in response to the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s decision to hold local elections on 11 June. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey will not allow the establishment of a state by a separatist organization in Syria and Iraq, referring to the Kurdish-led regions. The Turkish Defence Minister expressed concerns over the elections and their potential to affect peace in the region. Turkey sees the leading party in northeast Syria as part of the PKK and has previously conducted military operations against them. The recent drone strikes by Turkey…