CIA reportedly arming Iranian Kurdish groups to incite uprising against Tehran, per CNN sources.
US Support for Iranian Opposition
CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces to support an uprising against Iran’s government, CNN reports citing sources. The US is reportedly in dialogue with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq regarding military support. Donald Trump allegedly spoke with Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDIP), one of groups attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on March 3.
A high-ranking Kurdish representative in Iran told CNN that Kurdish opposition forces in Iran will participate in a ground operation in western Iran soon, calling it a significant opportunity. The Kurds expect support from the US and Israel.
Kurdish Military Operations
One CNN source suggested the plan involves Kurdish groups clashing with and defeating Iranian security forces. This could allow unarmed Iranians in major cities to protest without facing brutal repression, as seen in January protests. Another US official noted Kurds could sow chaos in the region and deplete Iran’s military resources. Ideas also emerged about Kurds occupying northern Iran to create a buffer zone for Israel.
Trump’s Calls for Regime Change
On March 3, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials, that Trump is prepared to support armed militias in Iran seeking to overthrow the regime. Kurdish forces control strategic areas along the Iraq-Iran border and could be vital in a conflict. An Israeli airstrike in western Iran fueled speculation it was paving the way for a Kurdish offensive. Trump, announcing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, called on Iranians to rise up and seize power, going beyond mere calls for rebellion.
Axios recalled that during a White House meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who firmly advocates attacks on Iran and regime change, suggested involving Kurds in such actions. Israel maintains close ties with Kurdish groups in Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Turkish Warning on Escalation
Arming Iranian Kurds to break the Tehran regime would be a serious escalation dragging Turkey into war, Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institution told PAP. She explained the strongest Kurdish group in Iran is the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the EU, and the US. If Israel or the US arms PJAK, Turkey would almost certainly intervene to prevent an independent quasi-state in Iran, potentially causing a “rift in NATO.”
Aydintasbas emphasized Turkey values its relations with the Trump administration but national security issues would dominate, putting President Erdogan under pressure to act. She warned the US should “think twice” before proceeding, noting Turkey has tried diplomatically to mediate between Washington and Tehran and fears current instability and the administration’s “open check” for Israel.
She added that Turkey aims to stay out of the conflict but would be drawn in if Kurds join the war.