New security measure from Turkey: Claims of a buffer zone to be established in Iran

In the event of a possible regime change or instability, comprehensive scenarios have been brought to the agenda regarding a sudden migration movement from Iran to Turkey. In a secret session held in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials shared with members of parliament the preparations being worked on to strengthen Turkey's border security.

According to the information conveyed at the meeting, Turkey is preparing various alternative plans to avoid encountering a potential wave of migration at the border. At the forefront of these strategies is the establishment of a buffer zone in the parts of Iranian territory close to the Turkish border. An official from the sources participating in the session directly referred to this plan as a "buffer zone." Another source stated that "even if such a word is not used, every kind of step outside the border is being evaluated."

As some participants also reported, when the possibility of a migrant influx arises, priority will be given to taking all necessary measures on the Iranian side. One of the sources summarized the approach to this issue with the words, "Essentially, we believe that in the event of a migration possibility, everything that needs to be done on the Iranian side must be done to ensure that those who are coming remain at the border."

ADVANCED BORDER SECURITY MEASURES

Turkey has maximized technological solutions to increase security along the 560-kilometer border line it shares with Iran. According to data from the Ministry of National Defense, a 380-kilometer-long modular concrete wall and 553 kilometers of trenches have been built to date. In addition, numerous electro-optical towers and surveillance networks have been established along the border.

The border line is kept under surveillance 24 hours a day by unmanned aerial vehicles and reconnaissance aircraft. Turkish officials are closely monitoring internal developments and the political atmosphere in Iran moment by moment. Although the protest demonstrations that began with the worsening of economic conditions in Tehran have been suppressed for now, it is assessed that a new crisis that may arise in the region and an expected US attack could seriously shake the regime in Iran.

Ankara continues its preparations at a high level against the possibility of a mass migration wave as a result of such sudden developments. In any chaotic situation, the goal is to prevent migrant mobility before it reaches the country's territory.

While the steps Turkey may take across the border will become clearer in the coming days, it is noted that security plans in the region are being handled in a multi-dimensional manner.