From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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Türkiye, Iraq, and KRG reach tripartite understanding to close Makhmour Camp under new peace framework


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis

Turkish media reports that Türkiye, Iraq, and the KRG have reached a preliminary understanding to close Makhmour Camp as part of Ankara's evolving peace process, though no government has officially confirmed the claim.

Turkish media says proposed plan would facilitate the return of 16,000 residents and establish a legal process for PKK-linked individuals, though no government has officially confirmed the report

A new Turkish media report claims that Türkiye, the Government of Iraq, and the Kurdistan Regional Government have reached a preliminary understanding to close the Makhmour Refugee Camp as part of Ankara's evolving peace initiative with the **Kurdistan Workers' Party>.

According to Turkish daily Nefes, the plan would allow approximately 16,000 camp residents to return to Türkiye following the adoption of new legislation intended to support the country's peace process.

However, neither the Turkish government, the Iraqi federal government, nor the KRG had officially confirmed the reported agreement at the time of publication.

Framework Law Reportedly Central to the Plan

According to the newspaper, implementation would begin after the Turkish parliament approves a new "framework law" designed to regulate the peace process and establish the legal basis for reconciliation measures.

The legislation is reportedly viewed as a key mechanism for resolving the long-standing status of Makhmour camp while addressing issues related to PKK members based both inside Iraq and abroad.

The report also claims the proposed law would cover:

  • Residents of Makhmour Camp
  • PKK members based in the Qandil Mountains
  • Individuals linked to the organization's European network

Roadmap Submitted to Turkish Authorities

According to Nefes, Ankara, Baghdad, and Erbil have agreed on a mechanism governing the return of camp residents.

The newspaper said a detailed roadmap has already been submitted to the Turkish presidency and relevant ministries, outlining procedures for:

  • The voluntary return of camp residents to Türkiye
  • Civilian reintegration programs
  • The repatriation of foreign nationals residing in the camp to their respective countries

The report suggests the initiative is intended to resolve one of the most sensitive humanitarian and security issues linked to the decades-long conflict.

Security Screening for PKK Members

One of the report's most significant claims concerns approximately 2,000 PKK members reportedly living in Makhmour Camp.

According to Nefes, these individuals would undergo comprehensive security screening before any decision is made regarding their legal status.

Those seeking to return to Türkiye under the proposed legislation would reportedly have their cases reviewed individually following the vetting process.

The newspaper said the broader objective is to bring an end to both the PKK's armed presence associated with the camp and the decades-old Makhmour file.

A Camp at the Center of Regional Tensions

Makhmour Camp was established during the 1990s to shelter Kurdish refugees who fled southeastern Türkiye amid the conflict between Turkish security forces and the PKK.

Located roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Erbil, the camp operates under United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees oversight but has remained a recurring source of political and security tensions.

Ankara has repeatedly alleged that the camp functions as a recruitment and logistical hub for the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union.

Camp residents and humanitarian organizations have consistently rejected those allegations, maintaining that the camp primarily houses civilians displaced by conflict.

Part of a Broader Peace Initiative

The reported plan comes amid renewed efforts by Türkiye to advance a political framework aimed at reducing tensions with the PKK while continuing military operations against PKK positions in northern Iraq.

At the same time, both Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government have sought closer security cooperation with Ankara to address the presence of armed groups operating inside Iraqi territory.

Whether the reported agreement materializes will likely depend on parliamentary approval in Türkiye, coordination between Ankara, Baghdad, and Erbil, and the willingness of camp residents to participate in any voluntary return process.

Analysis

If confirmed, the reported understanding would represent one of the most consequential developments in the Türkiye-PKK peace process in years. Closing Makhmour Camp has long been a strategic objective for Ankara, which views the site as a security concern, while humanitarian organizations have emphasized its role as a refuge for civilians displaced by decades of conflict.

Successfully implementing such a plan would require balancing security considerations with international legal obligations concerning refugees and voluntary repatriation. It would also demand unprecedented coordination between Türkiye, Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and international organizations overseeing the camp.

For now, however, the report remains unconfirmed, and official statements from the three governments will be crucial in determining whether the proposed roadmap reflects an emerging policy or remains under negotiation.

#Türkiye #Iraq #KRG #PKK #Security

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