Kurdish Fighters Prepare to Enter Iran

For six days, the US and Israel have been striking targets in Iran, but the boots on the ground may not be American. Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in exile in northern Iraq have revealed their plans to enter Iran, a strategy they've been preparing for decades.

Hana Yazdanpana, a representative of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), asserts that their fighters have not yet crossed the border, despite claims to the contrary. She highlights the need for US support, particularly a no-fly zone, to ensure the safety of Kurdish forces. The US has denied reports of arming the Kurds, who were previously trained to fight against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq.

As the possibility of a Kurdish advance increases, so do Tehran's attacks. The aftermath of strikes on Kurdish bases, including a deadly ballistic missile attack, has been witnessed. Some groups have relocated to protect their forces.

Mustafa Mauludi, vice-president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), offers a pragmatic perspective. He acknowledges that the US and Israel's interests align with Kurdish goals, as they target Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) bases. Mauludi, aged 67, eagerly awaits the fall of the Islamic regime and shares his vision of returning to his homeland.

The Kurds, comprising 10% of Iran's population, are calling for international support. Abdullah Mohtadi, secretary general of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, emphasizes their political organization and determination to seize the opportunity for change. He criticizes the UK's stance, particularly its failure to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

The number of Kurdish troops remains uncertain, but their desire to be part of Iran's future is evident. Despite historical setbacks, they persist in their hope for a better future. Some Iranian Kurds advocate for action, even without American assurances, driven by their longing for a homeland.