Reports emerged on 4/3 from US-based Fox News and Israel's Jerusalem Post, citing officials from both nations, that thousands of Iraqi Kurdish militants had crossed into Iranian territory, initiating a ground offensive. This development was perceived as potentially opening a new front against Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. However, Aziz Ahmad, deputy chief of staff to the Prime Minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), swiftly refuted these claims on social media platform X, stating, "No Iraqi Kurds have crossed the border. This information is entirely false."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on 3/3 also quoted unnamed US officials, who indicated that President Donald Trump last weekend discussed matters with Kurdish leaders. These officials suggested other local figures in Iran were poised to capitalize on Tehran's perceived weakening following a US-Israeli initiated strike campaign. Kurds have established a substantial militia force along the Iraq-Iran border regions. Recent Israeli military airstrikes on Iranian positions in western Iran further fueled speculation that these actions aimed to clear a path for Kurdish militants to advance.

Sources indicated that the strategic aim behind such an operation would be to divert Tehran's military and security resources to the border region. This diversion could potentially ease pressure on protesters and opposition groups in major Iranian cities.

Members of the Kurdish Democratic Party inspect damage in Koye town on 3/3, following an Iranian strike. *AFP*

During a press conference on 4/3, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump had engaged in discussions with Kurdish leaders. These talks were part of ongoing dialogues with Middle East partners and allies, particularly regarding US military bases in northern Iraq. Leavitt, however, dismissed reports that President Trump had approved a plan to arm Kurdish forces against Iran, asserting the information was false and "without factual basis."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that such information was disseminated "to undermine security and stability in Iran." The IRGC warned that "any infiltration attempt will be met with a firm response." On 3/3, Iran launched missiles into Koye town, located in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, causing infrastructure damage. This action was widely perceived as a deterrent against any potential infiltration attempts by Kurdish militants.

According to an Iranian security source, the US and Israel are resorting to psychological warfare to undermine the Iranian people's morale, having failed to achieve their objectives on the ground. "We assure our people that security along the border with Iraq is maintained, and military and security forces are fully protecting this area," the source affirmed.

Kurdish forces operating along the Iran-Iraq border are considered among the most prominent armed opposition groups confronting the Tehran government. This force comprises thousands of militants from Iranian Kurdish groups, primarily active in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, which borders western Iran. Following a large-scale strike campaign into Iran conducted jointly with Israel, President Trump publicly articulated a goal of "regime change" in Iran. He called upon the Iranian people to seize the opportunity to revolt. However, no signs of such uprisings have emerged in Iran, contrary to Trump's appeals.

Iran and Iraq locations. *DW*

The conflict, now in its 6th day, shows no signs of abating, with both sides intensifying retaliatory strikes. To date, the hostilities have resulted in nearly 1,100 deaths in Iran and at least 24 fatalities across Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.

Huyen Le (Based on Jerusalem Post, NY Post, Fox News reports)