PKK withdrawal to Iraq raises regional conflict risk amid peace deal fragility

The PKK is withdrawing fighters from Türkiye to northern Iraq as part of a peace process, following its May 2025 dissolution decision and a July weapons-burning ceremony. The move reduces immediate domestic conflict but shifts risk to Iraq, where PKK presence could provoke Turkish military operations and regional instability. The durability of the peace deal remains uncertain, with potential for renewed hostilities if negotiations falter.