Are the Kurds fighting in Iran?

Fox News reports “thousands of fighters,” without providing further details. Attacks have been recorded in the northwest of the country. Conflicting information is circulating regarding the start of offensive operations. A representative of the Political Coalition Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) stated that the operations were expected to begin at midnight on March 2. However, Kurdish television network Rudaw reported that the offensive had not yet started but could begin soon.

Earlier reports suggested that the CIA was supplying Kurdish militias with weapons. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied these claims but confirmed that talks had taken place between the Trump administration and leaders of Iraqi Kurdistan. These discussions reportedly concerned the US base in northern Iraq. It is also known that Iranian forces attacked a Kurdish militia camp in that region.

According toThe Atlantic, US cooperation with the Kurds has been ongoing for several months. Mustafa Hijri, the leader of the PDKI, was said to have spoken with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Experts argue that defeating Iran without a ground operation would be difficult, not to mention achieving regime change. Former CIA officer Philip Wasielewski noted that Kurds in Iran constitute a relatively small group. Their potential involvement, combined with aspirations for autonomy, could further complicate the situation.

The Kurds are a stateless minority striving for autonomy. They inhabit territories across Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. A Kurdish state would likely emerge from parts of these four countries. The Turks, in particular, strongly oppose Kurdish autonomy. Yesterday, on March 4, Ankara shot down an Iranian ballistic missile. Attacks targeting Turkey and Kurdish involvement could draw Ankara into the conflict, potentially causing it to spill over across the region.