Erdogan: Israeli Mossad “created” Kurdish referendum for independence

Iran and Turkey have agreed to take “any possible measures” against the recent independence vote held in Iraqi Kurdistan, leaders of the two countries said, accusing Israel of leading the process.

“The independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan is a “Middle Eastern” and a threat to the future of the entire region”, said Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatolah Seyed Ali Khamenei, during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tehran.

He says voting would involve <x) for all neighbouring states, adding that Iran and Turkey “must take all possible measures against this movement, and the Iraqi government must also make serious decisions and actions”.

His words were followed in part by Erdogan, who said that “Turkey and Iran's commitment to the issue is apparent”.

“Turkey will only engage with the central government in Iraq and we certainly define this referendum as illegal,” The president added.

He also warned that Ankara and Tehran are willing to take “tougher apa... in the next period” In addition to the measures they already took after the referendum.

Both leaders also agreed on the role of Israel, stressing that it was Jewish to request “andant” Middle East.

“What is the referendum organised by the Iraqi regional administration in the north? No country in the world but Israel knows”, Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Iranian President Hasan Rouhani, who also attended the meeting with Khamene.

“A decision made at the Mossad table is not legitimate, is illegal”, added the Turkish leader.

For his part, Khamenei said that Israel, as well as some “foreign powers”, including the US, want to create disputes among regional powers in the Middle East by creating a new “Israel.”

Some foreign “plan to divide the area to increase ethnic and sectarian discrimination,” President Rouhan said. Both countries reject such acts of discrimination“, he added, referring to the positions of Iran and Turkey, as reported by Anadolu.

Erdogan further said after referendumthe Iraqi local administration in the north will be sentenced in isolation”.

Iraqi Kurds held an independent independence referendum on 25 September. A day later, Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani said most voters cast their ballots in favour of independence.