Strengthening security cooperation between Türkiye and Iran was one of the main topics discussed by Interior Minister Çiftçi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Mumini at the Interior Ministry in Ankara. The two ministers addressed counterterrorism, border security, organized crime, the extradition of criminals and irregular migration.
The meeting also covered the dissolution and disarmament of the PKK/KCK, as well as the elimination of the organization’s affiliates operating under different names and in different regions following these steps במסגרת the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process. The security risks posed by the PJAK structure in Iran and the development of security cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.
Çiftçi announces counterterrorism and counternarcotics figures
Çiftçi said the process of eliminating the PKK/KCK’s affiliates operating under different names and in different regions was being monitored following the organization’s dissolution and disarmament. He said the PKK’s dismantling process in Syria and Iraq was important for regional peace and stated that the PJAK structure in Iran should also be included in this process.
Çiftçi warned that steps should be taken to prevent members of the organization who oppose the process from entering Iran and making the organization more active there. He emphasized the importance of Türkiye and Iran acting in coordination and solidarity in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
Çiftçi announced that 1,592 operations had been conducted against 562 groups this year as part of the fight against new-generation organized crime groups. He said 78 of these groups were attempting to draw young people into drug use.
According to information provided by Çiftçi, 32,848 people were arrested and 36 tons of drugs were seized in 38,915 counternarcotics operations carried out in 2026. Çiftçi said Türkiye and Iran were located along transit routes used by drug-trafficking networks and other transnational criminal networks because of their geographical positions, and called for more effective cooperation in these areas.
Call for joint steps on extradition and irregular migration
The extradition of criminals and deportation procedures were also discussed at the meeting. Çiftçi said relations between Interpol units should be strengthened and the extradition of individuals whose legal proceedings had been completed should be expedited.
Çiftçi said Türkiye was following Iran’s extradition requests within the legal framework and stated that they expected Iran’s contribution to completing the ongoing processes.
Çiftçi said joint steps in the fight against irregular migration should be increased. He stated that Türkiye had built its migration policy around a comprehensive system that begins in countries of origin and aims for safe, dignified and voluntary return. He said border measures should be strengthened in coordination and information-sharing should be increased in the fight against human-trafficking and migrant-smuggling networks.
Mumini calls on PKK and PJAK to lay down their arms
Iranian Interior Minister Mumini highlighted the importance of cooperation between Türkiye and Iran in addition to their historical ties, particularly in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, border security and irregular migration. He thanked Türkiye for its support during the war against Iran and for condemning terrorist attacks.
Mumini said they supported reaching a political solution regarding the PKK and stated that Türkiye, Iraq, Iran and Syria should act together for a lasting solution. He said the PKK, PJAK and all their affiliates should end their activities and lay down their arms, adding that Iran’s security should be viewed as Türkiye’s security and Türkiye’s security as Iran’s security.
Mumini called for increased cooperation in the areas of drug-related crimes, the extradition of criminals, Interpol, smuggling, terrorism and border security. He said they were ready for joint action against networks engaged in human smuggling along the Türkiye-Iran border.
