Kurdish Forces Prepare for Potential Incursion into Iran Amidst US Support

Kurdish dissident groups in northern Iraq are preparing for potential cross-border military operations into Iran, with reports indicating support from the United States. The move comes as tensions escalate between the US and Iran, and as Iranian Kurdish groups seek to capitalize on unrest within Iran.

US Support and Kurdish Readiness

According to officials from Kurdish groups, the US has requested support from Iraqi Kurds for these operations as reported by the Associated Press. Several Kurdish groups have confirmed their readiness to engage in military action. Khalil Nadiri of the Kurdistan Freedom Party stated that some of their forces have moved to areas near the Iranian border. An official from the Komala group indicated their forces could cross the border within one to ten days.

Direct Communication from President Trump

President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with two Kurdish leaders in Iraq on Sunday night, discussing the situation and requesting military support for Iranian Kurdish groups as reported by the New York Times. Specifically, Trump reportedly discussed sending forces across the border with Mustafa Hijri, the head of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan in Iran.

CIA Involvement and Arming of Kurdish Forces

The CIA has been reportedly involved in arming Kurdish forces as part of a plan to incite an uprising against the Iranian government according to CNN. This support, including the provision of small arms, began several months prior to the recent escalation of conflict. The aim is to destabilize Iran and potentially create a buffer zone for Israel as detailed by The Independent.

White House Response and Potential Risks

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed reports of President Trump approving plans for a Kurdish uprising in Iran, calling the reports “completely false.” However, the reported conversations with Kurdish leaders suggest a different narrative.

Experts caution that supporting armed groups from Iran’s ethnic communities could “open a hornet’s nest” and increase the risk of a chaotic civil war. The Kurdish groups, considered the best-organized part of the Iranian opposition, possess thousands of trained fighters, posing a significant potential challenge to the Iranian authorities.

Recent Iranian Actions and Potential US Air Support

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been striking Kurdish groups, targeting them with dozens of drones. A US official indicated the US is prepared to provide air support should Kurdish peshmerga fighters cross the border from northern Iraq.

Key Takeaways

• Kurdish forces are preparing for a potential incursion into Iran.
• The US has reportedly requested support from Iraqi Kurds and is providing assistance through the CIA.
• President Trump has been directly involved in discussions with Kurdish leaders.
• The move carries risks of escalating the conflict and potentially triggering a civil war within Iran.