Iranian Kurds Ready to Join War but Face U.S. Reversal

Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have signaled readiness to join the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, but face significant hurdles including fragmented leadership, limited capabilities, and regional opposition, even as U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed his initial endorsement of their involvement.

The conflict erupted on February 28 when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes and missile attacks on Iranian targets, including Tehran, under operations dubbed Epic Fury and Roaring Lion. These strikes aimed to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and military infrastructure, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian Kurdish groups, comprising about 10 percent of Iran's 92 million population and concentrated in the western border regions, have long opposed the Islamic Republic's rule. In response to the war, several factions formed the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan shortly before the attacks began. The alliance seeks to stretch Iranian security forces, secure border areas, and advance Kurdish self-determination within a democratic Iran.

Peyman Viyan, co-chair of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), an...