AJ
Various reports over the previous 24 hours have suggested that the CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces in an attempt at a popular uprising in Iran, however other reports and comments later disrupted the claim.
CNN reported that the Kurdish forces were expected to participate in a ground operation in Western Iran in the coming days, expecting support from Israel and the United States.
According to CNN, the Trump administration had been holding discussions with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about providing military support.
Iranian Kurdish opposition fighters are expected to take part in a possible ground operation in western Iran in the coming days, CNN reported, citing a senior Kurdish official, noting that the idea was for the Kurdish militias to launch an uprising to the downed Iranian security forces and potentially trigger a wider revolt, with the expectations of US and Israeli backing.
CNN reported that officials say Kurdish forces could also help strain Iran’s military resources, and some proposals include the possibility of them seizing and holding territory in northern Iran as a buffer zone for Israel.
However, the report states that sources caution the Kurdish factions remain divided and may lack the capacity to successfully overthrow the Iranian government.
ITV News followed up on the report, saying that weapons had reportedly been smuggled into western Iran since 2025, following the 12-day war, to arm thousands of Kurdish militant fighters.
In recent days, US and Israel strikes have repeatedly targeted security sites in western Iran to weaken defences and improve the chances of a ground revolt, and a ground operation could begin within days, potentially supported by US-Israeli air power.
Kurdish sources say American and Israeli forces have been asked to provide air cover if such an offensive starts, though it was unclear at the time whether the request had been approved.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said yesterday that President Trump had not been seeking to or authorising arms to the Kurdish forces, calling it fake news.
