While Iran faces a leadership vacuum amid escalating conflict with Israel and the United States, it also faces a threat inside the country in the form of "Kurds." Kurdish fighters have reportedly entered Iran from areas near the Iraqi border and begun operations. This is significant as if Kurdish fighters get involved in the conflict, the war in Iran can become even more intense.

Iran on Thursday said that it targeted the headquarters of Kurdish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan, following strikes on Kurdish regions in both Iran and Iraq. Tehran's news agency IRNA reported, citing a military statement, “We targeted the headquarters of Kurdish groups opposed to the revolution in Iraqi Kurdistan with three missiles.” The attack comes at a time when there are reports that the US is backing Kurdish groups to launch a ground offensive against Iran, aimed at creating instability.

Washington is reportedly weighing support from Kurdish fighters on the ground to launch their offensive against Iran. CNN reported, stating that US President Trump spoke to Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, on Tuesday. According to news agency AP, Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq have stated that they are preparing for potential cross-border military operations in Iran amid discussions with the US. They are preparing for "all war scenarios", the report added.

While the group may get Washington's support, concerns remain that any Kurdish move inside Iran could trigger major violence. Can they help US to overthrow the Iranian regime? These are the questions that come up as the conflict intensifies. But who are Kurds and why do they oppose Iran?

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Who are Kurds?

The Kurds are an indigenous Indo-European ethnic group residing in the mountainous region known as Kurdistan, which spans southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northern Syria. They comprise roughly 10 per cent of the population in Iran. Over the years, they have been involved in attacks on IRGC positions. Their anger against the Iranian regime stems from the fact that for decades, Kurds have faced systematic marginalisation and violent crackdowns under both the former monarchy and the current Islamic Republic.

Why do they oppose the Iranian regime?

Major Kurdish uprisings had occurred in 1946 and 1979. Approximately 30,000 deaths were reported during the 1979 protests. Kurdish political and military groups have long advocated for either total independence or greater regional autonomy within a democratic Iran. However, they have been ignored. The groups are widely regarded as the most organised segment within Iran’s fractured opposition.

They are believed to have thousands of trained fighters. Their entry into the war could pose a serious new challenge for Iran’s authorities, as they aim to attack Iranian security forces and destabilise the government. And, if the Iranian military fights the Kurds in the border areas, the US can exploit the situation to create chaos in major cities inside Iran.

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