CIA reportedly considering arming Kurdish forces in Iran

US Discusses Arming Kurdish Forces in Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States is reportedly engaging in talks with opposition Kurdish forces in Iran to arm them and potentially spark an uprising, according to multiple media sources. The discussions come as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its fifth day.

According to CNN, citing Kurdish and US officials, President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring the possibility of providing arms to Kurdish groups operating in Iran’s Kurdistan province and other western provinces. The CIA has a history of working with Kurdish groups in neighboring Iraq, which was invaded by the US in 2003.

Kurdish rebels have long opposed Tehran and have carried out attacks in various parts of the country. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also targeted Kurdish positions in the west amid the ongoing conflict.

Analysts warn that arming Kurdish forces could further destabilize Iran, rather than promoting peace. Neil Quillian, an analyst at Chatham House, stated that the plan “reveals that the US-Iran war against Iran has been poorly thought out.” He noted that the US approach to regime change is often characterized by a lack of responsibility for the consequences.

The US officials cited by CNN aim to use Kurdish forces to stretch Iranian military capabilities and allow popular protests or help them seize control of northern Iran. Trump spoke with Mustafa Hijri, head of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), on Tuesday, according to CNN.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly lobbied for the US-Kurds connection for months, and at least one Kurdish leader has confirmed a call with Trump. The PUK has stated that Trump offered an opportunity to discuss joint support for building a strong partnership between the US and Iraq.

Analysts caution that arming Kurdish forces could fuel domestic conflict inside Iran by pitting opposition groups against each other, rather than helping them unite to challenge the regime.

Source: Al Jazeera