United States and Israel are reportedly working to spark an armed uprising inside Iran by supporting Kurdish fighters who have been strengthened since the twelve-day war in 2025.
Weapons have been smuggled into western Iran over the past year to equip thousands of Kurdish volunteers, who are expected to launch a ground offensive within days, according to a report of ITV News.
Recent American and Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly targeted security sites in western Iran to weaken defenses and improve the chances of such a rebellion.
Kurdish sources say, US and Israeli forces have been asked to provide air support once the ground operation begins, though it remains unclear whether that request has been approved. Meanwhile, Iran has stepped up its bombing of Kurdish-held areas.
Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump spoke with Kurdish leaders from Iran and Iraq based in northern Iraq. While details of those conversations have not been disclosed, it is believed the possibility of a ground rebellion was discussed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had spoken with several regional partners, and US officials told the Wall Street Journal that he is considering requests for support. Trump also shared a Washington Post opinion piece suggesting that US forces need not engage directly on the ground, as the Iranian people themselves could serve as “the boots on the ground.”
Despite these discussions, the prospect of a successful uprising appears uncertain. Iran has heavily reinforced its military presence around Kurdish regions and is expected to respond forcefully to any rebellion.
Roughly ten million Kurds live in Iran, with thousands having undergone training in the mountains over many years. While Iranian Kurdish leaders may be more inclined to support such efforts, Iraqi Kurdish leaders are likely to remain cautious, given Iran’s harsh retaliation against nations that have backed the war.
The Kurds also carry historical grievances, having previously been relied upon by the United States in the fight against ISIS, only to feel abandoned once that conflict ended.
