Following an invitation by the Turkish Chief of the General Staff, Hulusi Akar, Mohammad Bagheri arrived in Turkey today.
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| Turkish (left) and Iranian (centre) Chiefs of Staff of Armed Forces |
Most media outlets have outlined the visit as one of cooperation and communication about issues in Syria, Iraq and Kurdistan. But judging by the fact that Bagheri is the Chief of Staff, not a more political position like FM, President or even DM, I think discussions on Syria can be ruled out.
Iran has faced an uptick in Kurdish terrorism lately, with PJAK and the PDKI being primary culprits. With the Turkish border wall construction ongoing, this visit may signal Turkey's wish for greater cooperation in fighting Kurdish terrorist groups like PJAK (related to the PKK) and the PDKI (related to the Iraqi PDK). Iran and Turkey have both expressed their disapproval of the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan.
This may be welcomed by Tehran judging by the warming relations between the two countries following the failed coup d'etat in Turkey and softening of Turkish stance on Syria. Some bellicose rhetoric from Erdogan, however, may dampen Iran's enthusiasm.
A notable fact is that this is Bagheri's first official foreign visit as of Chief of Staff. The results of this meeting will give an insight into his military-diplomatic considerations and actions. The fact that Turkey is his first destination shows possible Iranian commitment to cooperation with Ankara.
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