As the U.S.-Israel war against Iran enters its third week, the White House insists American ground troops are “not part of the plan.” But along the rugged frontier between Iraq and Iran, Kurdish fighters say they are ready to move — whether Washington approves or not.
At a base near the border, seasoned Peshmerga fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) told reporters that their invasion plans are in place. All they need, they say, is U.S. air support to protect them as they cross into Iran to confront the clerical regime in Tehran. “When we cross the border, the United States should secure the skies for us and protect us from above,” PAK commander Rebaz Sharifi said.
While President Donald Trump has claimed Iran is “about to surrender,” there has been no confirmation of such signs from Tehran. U.S. and Israeli officials maintain the offensive is focused on crippling Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities, as well as targeting key figures in the ruling regime. Yet Kurdish forces on the ground argue that without a coordinated ground strategy, the conflict risks stalemate.
The Peshmerga — whose name means “those who face death” — have long sought autonomy for Iran’s Kurdish regions. Now, as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue, these fighters see an opening. Their readiness underscores a widening divide between Washington’s cautious approach and the determination of regional actors who view the war as a chance to reshape Iran’s future.