Tehran – The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced its dissolution, showing major changes in Middle East geopolitics that have a major impact on Türkiye, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Designated as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the US and the EU, the PKK engaged in a four-year rebellion in search of Kurdish independence.
Following a February 2025 call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Okaran, the group decided to stop the armed struggle and disband. This move raises careful hope for peace, but uncertainty about sustained stability remains.
PKK decision and its context
The PKK was about to cease its existence from the 12th Congress in northern Iraq, and after years of fighting that claimed to live for over 40,000 people, it chose to halt the armed struggle and become a political movement.
News organisation Firat News Agency said the change was inspired by a plea issued in February by imprisoned leader Okaran that peaceful methods should meet new demands from Kurds.
In recent years, organizations that have always fought for an independent Kurdish state have focused on autonomy and cultural rights within Türkiye. However, their use of violence was the cause of Türkiye, the US and the EU naming them terrorists.
The PKK decision followed a variety of issues, including recent military pressure in Turkey and changes in regional alliances, but in reality, a unilateral ceasefire was ahead of the line in March 2025.
Impact on Türkiye and the Region
Turkish President Recept Tayp Erdogan welcomed the PKK decision as a “critical threshold” for “a scary turkey,” but emphasized that the dissolution must be extended to all PKK affiliates in Iraq, Syria and Europe.
The move could allow for political reforms for Turkish Kurdish minority, which accounts for around 20% of the population, and could reduce tensions in northern Syria, where Turkish forces clashed with Kurdish militias associated with the PKK.
But skepticism persists. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that the government monitors group’s compliance and shows that trust remains vulnerable.
In Iraq and Syria, the dissolution of the PKK could reconstruct local power dynamics. Iraqi Kurdish leaders, who have been working in solidarity with the Kurdish cause and long-balanced cooperation with Turkey, could face pressure to distance themselves from remaining PKK elements.
In Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include units aligned with the PKK, may need to readjust its strategy amid Turkish demands for unarmedness.
Iran welcomes PKK’s disbandment as a security gain in the region
Iran, which shares its borders with Turkey and hosts its own Kurdish minority, has welcomed the dissolution of the PKK as a positive development in regional security. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran saw the move as “an important step towards refusing violence and strengthening security,” and expressed hope to promote stability in Turkey and the wider region.
This stance is consistent with Iran’s broader strategic interest in maintaining stability along the western border. The dissolution of the PKK reduces the possibility of cross-border rebellion and contributes to a safer environment in the region.
Impact on regional peace and stability
The dissolution of the PKK marks an important period of great significance for regional stability and peace in the Middle East. In particular, in northern Iraq, where the PKK has maintained its long-standing base, it is expected that a structured disarmament process will begin, supervised by Intelligence Telecommunications Agency in Turkey, Iraq and Syria.
The process includes cataloging weapons and sorting out surrenders, aiming to reduce armed conflict in the region.
Beyond security, this dissolution paves the way for economic development in the conflict-affected Kurdish region. Turkey can prioritize integrating these regions into national development plans, but Iran can take advantage of opportunities to enhance cross-border economic cooperation and promote broader regional cooperation.
However, there are still challenges. Questions have arisen regarding the complete disarmament and reintegration of PKK fighters into society. The risk of splitting groups that continue armed resistance cannot be ignored. Furthermore, Türkiye’s complex political environment expresses concerns over continued restrictions on the inclusiveness of the peace process and opposition arrests.
Despite these obstacles, the dissolution of the PKK offers a rare opportunity for de-escalation and regional cooperation. For Iran, a more stable western border will enhance national security and economic ties.
Success relies on effective disarmament, comprehensive political dialogue, and sustainable international support for transparent peacebuilding that prioritizes minority rights and long-term conflict resolution.