Iran, Turkey Moving towards Strategic Military Agreement

"Turkey and Iran's pragmatic approach has required them to focus on economic, specially trade, cooperation and set aside their political and military differences - at least for a while," al-Rai al-Youm wrote on Monday.

"The political and military growth of the Kurds who are supported by the US showed the need for the Turkish and Iranian officials' meeting and the two sides reached a mutual strategic military agreement to fight against this danger which threatens them," it added.

The Arab daily claimed that Turkey and Iran are now determined to prevent formation of a Kurdish country even if they are forced to resort to the military option.

Speaking to reporters before departing on an official visit to Jordan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said a more effective struggle against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its Iranian affiliate, PJAK, would be possible through joint action with Iran.

"Joint action against terrorist groups that have become a threat is always on the agenda. This issue has been discussed between the two military chiefs, and I discussed more broadly how this should be carried out," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the Reuters.

Also, the Arabic-language al-Mayadeen news channel quoted Erdogan as saying that his country might conduct a joint operation with Iran against the PKK positions in Shingal and Qandil.

General Baqeri started a three-day visit to Ankara last Tuesday heading a high-ranking politico-military delegation. He said his trip was aimed at discussing enhanced cooperation on military and regional issues.

Top Iranian and Turkish military chiefs in a meeting in Ankara on Tuesday discussed ways to improve the two countries’ security, particularly in border areas, and continue the fight against terrorism.