Erdogan says Turkey and Iran discussing joint action against Kurdish militants

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a meeting of his ruling AK Party (AKP) in Istanbul, Turkey, August 20, 2017. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey and Iran have discussed possible joint military action against Kurdish militant groups, after talks in Ankara last week between the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces and Turkish leaders, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday. Speaking to reporters before departing on an official visit to Jordan, Erdogan also said a more effective struggle against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its Iranian affiliate, PJAK, would be possible through joint action with Iran. "Joint action against terrorist groups that have become a threat is always on the agenda. This issue has been discussed between the two military chiefs, and I discussed more broadly how this should be carried out," Erdogan said. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by David Dolan)