AMED – Journalist Ikram Balekani stated that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel is temporary, adding, “The solution for Iran is Abdullah Öcalan’s formula of ‘Democratic Confederalism.’ Alongside it, the ‘Jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)’ revolution will begin again and continue until victory.”

 

Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on June 13, citing “nuclear threats,” targeting military leaders and nuclear scientists. The conflict escalated with Iran’s retaliations and a direct U.S. strike on the Fordow uranium enrichment site. In response, Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar. Following the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both countries agreed to a ceasefire. 

Journalist Ikram Balekani assessed the regional impact of the Iran-Israel clashes, asserting that the war was foreseeable and that peace in the Middle East could only be achieved through the Democratic Confederalism proposed by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.

 

‘A WAR TO REDESIGN THE MIDDLE EAST’

 

Balekani noted the historical and complex relations between Iran and Israel, highlighting that Iran has long threatened Israel while both countries have previously maintained covert ties. “This is not a new war but a long-standing conflict. The talk of nuclear or chemical weapons is just a pretext. This is a war to redesign the Middle East,” he said.

 

‘WOMEN AND KURDS CAN TRANSFORM IRAN’

 

Stating that the Iranian regime is disconnected from its people, Balekani emphasized, “If the regime had learned from Saddam or Assad, it would have changed. The public protests, led by the ‘Jin, jiyan, azadî’ resistance, proved that women and Kurds have the power to transform Iran.” He referenced Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) Co-chair Peyman Viyan’s remarks that Kurds are the primary force for change in the region.

 

‘THE THREAT OF ATTACKS REMAINS’

 

Balekani argued that the recent clashes reflect broader hegemonic struggles involving powers like the U.S., China, and Russia. “They don't want Iran gone, they want a compliant Iran. The U.S. isn’t trying to topple the regime but to weaken it. Despite the ceasefire, the risk of mutual attacks remains,” he warned. He reiterated that Öcalan’s proposal of Democratic Confederalism offers the most viable path forward.

 

‘THE JIN, JIYAN, AZADÎ REVOLUTION IS NOT OVER…’

 

Citing the autonomous system in North and East Syria (Rojava) as an example, Balekani said: “There’s a working model where Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, and Assyrians live together and are educated in their mother tongues. The revolution isn’t over—it only paused and will resume until victory.” He added that Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan) has more potential due to past military and political experiences.

 

‘THEY MUST UNITE WITH THE KURDS’

 

Balekani warned that externally imposed change would marginalize local populations and lead to new wars. “Democracy must be built on Öcalan’s principles. Otherwise, people will be denied their rights. The PJAK’s call to the Azeri people to reject division by Turkey and Iran is important. There’s no reason Kurds, Azeris, and others can’t build a system together in Rojhilat,” he said.

 

‘KURDS MUST BE UNITED’

 

Concluding, Balekani stressed the necessity of Kurdish unity: “If Kurds want to gain strength, they must be united. Those who organize through communal structures and lead the people will succeed. PJAK says, ‘We are ready to hand power to the people and join an autonomous administration.’ The people must unite.”

 

MA / Mujdat Can