Have Kurdish Groups Began an Offensive Operation Into Iran?

Some outlets are reporting that thousands of Kurdish fighters have launched a ground offensive in Iran in efforts to overthrow the Islamist regime.

The Reports: Several outlets have reported that the US and Israel are backing the operation; this remains unconfirmed and is doubted by some.

Launched or Not?: Outlets like The Jerusalem Post (Center bias) and Responsible Statecraft (Center), a commentary arm of the US-based Quincy Institute, also said that "reports indicate" that the Kurds have launched an offensive. Other outlets tended to be more cautious. Axios (Lean Left) said the "Kurds backed by Mossad, CIA could lead next phase of war in Iran." Al Jazeera (Lean Left) said the US is "rallying" Kurdish groups to fight Iran but didn't suggest the Kurdish groups have begun an operation. Washington Post (Lean Left) said that while Trump has spoken to several Kurdish leaders, representatives of the Iranian Kurdish Coalition "denied rapidly spreading rumors late Wednesday that they had begun an invasion from Iraq."

Coalition Formed: Several days before the US struck Iran, six Kurdish Iranian groups formed what they call the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan. The coalition issued a statement on Wednesday urging "all [Iranian] soldiers and personnel" to abandon their support of the Islamic regime.

Calls From Trump: Trump reportedly offered "extensive US aircover" and logistical support for the Kurds to take over portions of western Iran. Leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Bafel Talabani, said that "Trump was clear in his call," adding that "He told us the Kurds must choose a side in this battle — either with America and Israel or with Iran."

Catastrophic Civil War: Some outlets highlighted concerns with the reported plan to arm and utilize the Kurds as a substitute for US troops on the ground in Iran. Daily Mail (Lean Right) highlighted the concerns of British author and journalist David Patrikarakos, who warned the plan "could spark a 'catastrophic' civil war that destabilises the nation for years to come." Patrikarakos urged that the US should proceed with "extreme caution," explaining that it "risks splitting Iran along ethnic lines" and sparking a "civil war, which might grind on and on." Responsible Statecraft echoed some of the concerns, saying that if reports are true, Washington is playing "a very dangerous game."  

Iran Targets Kurdish: Iran on Thursday said a preemptive strike took place against Kurdish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan after learning of the reports of a Kurdish invasion on Iran's western borders. Iran reported that the "separatist groups" had sustained heavy losses.       

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