Iranian Kurdish Militias Discuss Taking Arms Against Regime, Gamble on US Support

Iranian Kurdish opposition groups are in active discussions with the United States about potential military operations against Iran's security forces in western Iran, with requests for CIA weapons provision under consideration. Kurdish analyst Mutlu Civiroglu described the situation as "a very significant gamble," warning that if US-backed operations fail, Kurds could "pay the ultimate, deadliest price." Five Iranian Kurdish opposition groups recently formed a coalition alliance to improve coordination against Tehran. For Iran's Kurdish population — which faces mass imprisonment, targeted assassinations of political leaders, and bans on cultural expression — the risks of engagement are seen as preferable to continued repression under the Islamic Republic.