Reports of potential US-Israeli backing for Kurdish forces in Iran to launch a ground attack on the government have raised fears of drawing Turkey into the escalating war. This follows US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz and strike Gulf states. Iranian and Turkish officials anticipate collaboration to counter any Kurdish moves.
In January, Syrian forces entered Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria, bringing relief to Turkish officials who view armed Kurdish movements across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran as a threat to the state. The fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 enabled Ankara to advance its containment plans, with year-and-a-half negotiations leading the United States to distance itself from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.
The Kurdish autonomous zone on Turkey's border collapsed within days, with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members agreeing to withdraw to northern Iraq and then Iran, according to a senior Syrian official. The official stated: "This solution certainly does not meet the aspirations of [the Syrian government or the Kurds], but it is a temporary necessity that serves the interests of the Syrian state at the present stage."
On Saturday, the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous military and government officials. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and unprecedented strikes on Gulf states, closing the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20 percent of global oil and gas passes—and targeting Western military infrastructure. The war expanded to Lebanon on Monday, with preparations for a potential invasion as far as Saida.
Wednesday reports indicated the US and Israel are considering supporting a Kurdish force in Iran for a ground assault on the government and to foment a popular uprising. Iranian Kurdish opposition groups denied entering eastern Kurdistan, citing skepticism toward US promises due to past events in Aleppo, Raqqa, and al-Hol camp.
Ali Larijani, head of Iran's National Security Council, warned separatist groups against exploiting the chaos, saying: "They should not think that a breeze has blown and try to take action. We will not tolerate them in any way."
A coalition of Iranian Kurdish parties formed on February 22 to overthrow the Islamic Republic and achieve Kurdish self-determination. Iranian and Turkish officials expect close intelligence cooperation to obstruct Kurdish actions, despite challenges like a ballistic missile downed near Turkey's border. The Turkish military affirmed its right to respond and ongoing NATO consultations.
