Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in northern Iraq are preparing for a possible cross-border military operation into Iran. They say the United States has asked Iraqi Kurds for support, Kurdish officials told The Associated Press.
Kurdish party leaders have also discussed the Iranian crisis with President Donald Trump, according to Iraqi Kurdish officials, and the US president has asked them to open the border and provide military support.
However, Iraqi Kurdish leaders fear retaliation from Iran. Recent drone and missile attacks have already hit the region, damaging homes and knocking out power. Iraq is also strengthening its border, and the government in Baghdad has promised to stop the infiltration.
Kurds are a significant minority in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, especially in the western regions. If Kurdish dissidents were to enter the war, it would be the first entry of a major ground force.
Caroline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, previously denied that Donald Trump had approved plans to cooperate with Kurdish forces.