Iran and Turkey: Leading terrorism support in West and South Asia

Iran and Turkey have been seen strongly supporting non-state terror actors in the Middle East. With Iran supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi’s and other terrorist groups in the Middle East, Turkey has not been far behind supporting various Islamic Brotherhood and ISIS offshoots such as HTS in the region.

Both actors have also increasingly asserted their influence in Pakistan, shaping regional dynamics and impacting India’s security landscape. Their involvement, both direct and indirect, has been evident in recent events, notably the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir where 26 Hindu male tourists were massacred.

Turkey’s Strategic Alignment with Pakistan

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has deepened its strategic partnership with Pakistan, marked by significant military and ideological collaborations.

Military Support and Defense Collaborations

Turkey has supplied Pakistan with advanced military hardware, including drones and helicopter gunships. Notably, Turkish C-130E Hercules aircraft reportedly delivered weapons to Pakistan ahead of recent escalations with India. This military support has raised concerns in India about Turkey’s role in bolstering Pakistan’s defense capabilities. The drones used in attacks on Indian military bases have almost exclusively been of Turkish origin.

Ideological and Non-State Actor Engagements

Beyond military ties, Turkey has engaged with Islamist organizations linked to Pakistan. Reports indicate that Turkish charity groups with alleged ties to extremist networks have hosted leaders from organizations like the Popular Front of India (PFI), which has connections to Pakistani and Iranian entities. Such engagements suggest a broader ideological alignment and cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan.

Iran-Pakistan Relations: A Complex Dynamic

Iran’s relationship with Pakistan is multifaceted, involving both cooperation and conflict, particularly concerning border security and counterterrorism efforts.

Border Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

In early 2024, Iran conducted missile strikes targeting militant groups within Pakistan’s Balochistan province, leading to reciprocal actions from Pakistan. Subsequently, both nations agreed to enhance security cooperation, including deploying liaison officers in border towns to address mutual concerns over terrorism.

Challenges in the Balochistan Region

The Iran-Pakistan border, particularly in Balochistan, remains a hotspot for terrorist activities, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking. Socio-economic factors, such as unemployment among the Baloch population, contribute to the region’s instability. Both countries face challenges in securing this extensive and rugged border, which is exploited by various non-state actors.

The 2025 Pahalgam Attack: Implications and Responses

The 2025 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists, has been attributed to the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with alleged support from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigations revealed that the attack was orchestrated with directives from senior ISI operatives.

In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India’s military actions against Pakistan were only paused, warning of renewed strikes if further terrorist activities occur. He stated that India would no longer differentiate between terrorists and the Pakistani state supporting them.

Iran and Turkey’s involvement in Pakistan’s military and ideological spheres has significant implications for regional security, particularly concerning India’s counterterrorism efforts. While Turkey’s military support and ideological alignments with Pakistan raise concerns, Iran’s complex relationship with Pakistan, marked by both cooperation and conflict, adds another layer of complexity. These dynamics underscore the need for vigilant monitoring and strategic responses to address the evolving security challenges in South and West Asia.