Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), warned during an April meeting with a delegation from the DEM Party that both Israel and Iran are increasingly exerting influence over different factions within the PKK and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). According to leaked minutes from the meeting, Öcalan indicated that Iran is influencing the PKK while Israel is impacting the SDF. These comments emerged amid rising regional tensions between Iran and Israel.
The 13-page transcript of an April 21, 2025, meeting between Abdullah Öcalan and a delegation from the DEM Party has revealed extraordinary claims about Israel, Iran, and their alleged influence on Kurdish movements, as well as stark warnings about regional security and the future of Turkey.
The transcript provides new insight into Öcalan’s view of regional dynamics and internal Kurdish politics. He told DEM co-chair Pervin Buldan and lawyer Özgür Eroğlu that Israel and its intelligence agency Mossad were preparing a plan to transform the corridor from Sulaymaniyah to Afrin into a “Gaza-like zone,” asserting that the necessary infrastructure was already being put in place.
Öcalan claimed this was part of a “five-stage plan” to establish Israeli dominance in the Middle East. “The first stage was Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. These three have been accomplished. Now it’s Iran and Turkey’s turn,” he said — notably before the latest Israeli military operations targeting Iran began.
Öcalan, who appeared deeply concerned for his personal safety, alleged that “Mossad has been trying to kill me for 30 years” and warned that even his detention on İmralı Island might not shield him. He said Mossad had long sought to manipulate the PKK by dangling promises of a future Kurdish state, while simultaneously targeting him personally. The state reportedly responded by strengthening his security; a state official named Ahmet was assigned to oversee Öcalan’s protection.
Öcalan further warned that Pervin Buldan herself might be a target, recalling her previous traffic accident in Rome as potentially orchestrated by Mossad to sabotage the peace process. He also voiced suspicion about the death of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, comparing it to the suspicious death of former President Turgut Özal and calling for an investigation.
The Kurdish leader accused factions within the PKK of collaborating with Israel and Iran. He cited PKK commander Murat Karayılan’s claim of possessing weaponry with an 800-kilometer range, questioning whether such technology had been supplied by Israel or Iran. Öcalan criticized both the PKK’s Kandil leadership, which he said remained under Iranian influence, and elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which he alleged were cooperating with Israel. “Today they work with you; tomorrow they might work with Israel,” he warned, describing himself as the “only obstacle” capable of halting what he called the “Gazafication” of the region.
Öcalan also spoke about the need for a new phase in the peace process, proposing that the PKK be dissolved through a congress and replaced by democratic political engagement under DEM. He suggested delaying legal demands on the state until this organizational transformation was complete, while calling for dialogue with both the government and opposition. He expressed interest in meeting with CHP leader Özgür Özel, saying, “CHP sees itself as a state party — then I need to meet with them too.”
Notably, Öcalan praised Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), for what he called “revolutionary nationalism,” and portrayed himself as aligned with the goal of preserving Turkey’s stability. “I want to develop the Republic from where Mustafa Kemal left it,” he said, advocating a democratic republic model with local autonomies.
The meeting, which took place as part of ongoing but informal contacts between Öcalan and political representatives, comes amid heightened tension in the region and renewed discussion in Ankara about Kurdish policy. Öcalan framed Turkish-Kurdish unity as essential to resisting foreign intervention and ensuring the country’s security.
The Turkish government has not commented on the leaked statements, but the remarks are likely to fuel fresh controversy about Öcalan’s continued influence from prison and the complex web of alliances in the region.
