Turkey-Iran tension escalates over NATO radar system and PKK

The war of words between Iran and Turkey over the latter's decision to host NATO's early-warning radar system may hint at a new crisis looming on the horizon between the two neighbors, with the terrorist PKK, in play as a possible trump card by Iran against Turkey. Iran may resort to a terror threat using the terrorist PKK against its neighbor Turkey because of the latter's decision to host NATO's early-warning radar system, experts warned, adding that the move may boomerang on Iran. Hasan Koni, professor of international law at Istanbul-based Kultur University, said Iran might use the terrorist PKK as leverage in the short run against Turkey. "I do not believe that they will go to a great length in doing so because of the boomerang effect of the terror that might hit back at Iran in the future," he told Today's Zaman. Claiming that the missile shield aims to protect Israel and target Iranian missiles, Tehran criticized Ankara for its decision to deploy the NATO radar system. The latest warning came on Monday when the deputy head of the Iranian Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri, said, "Turkey should rethink its long-term strategic interests and draw lessons from the ‘bitter historical experiences' of other countries." Jazayeri, warning of "adverse consequences," urged Turkey to reconsider its decision to host the NATO radar, Iran's state-run Press TV reported.