CIA discussing support for Iranian Kurds
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is reportedly discussing plans to arm Iranian Kurdish groups in an effort to encourage an uprising against the government in Iran, CNN cited sources as saying on Wednesday.
Multiple sources familiar with the discussions said the administration of Donald Trump has been holding talks with Iranian opposition figures and Kurdish leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan about providing military support.
Iranian Kurdish armed groups operate along the Iraq–Iran border and maintain bases primarily inside Iraqi Kurdistan. Several groups have recently issued statements suggesting preparations for action and calling on Iranian military forces to defect.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday it had targeted Kurdish groups with dozens of drones following cross-border tensions.
According to a senior Iranian Kurdish official, Trump also spoke on Tuesday with Mustafa Hijri, whose party – Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan – was among the groups targeted by Iranian strikes.
The official said Iranian Kurdish opposition forces could take part in a ground operation in western Iran in the coming days, adding that the groups believe they have a “significant opportunity” under current circumstances.
Two U.S. officials and another source familiar with the discussions said Trump also spoke with Kurdish leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan about possible cooperation related to the ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran.
Any plan to arm Iranian Kurdish groups would require cooperation from authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan to allow weapons to pass through the region and potentially use it as a staging area.
Sources said one proposal involves Kurdish fighters engaging Iranian security forces in border areas, potentially diverting military resources and enabling protests in major Iranian cities.
However, U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Iranian Kurdish groups currently lack the resources and influence required to successfully challenge the Iranian government.
Kurdish parties are also seeking political assurances from Washington before committing to any potential military effort, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The CIA declined to comment on the report, according to CNN.