Thousands of Iranian Kurds living in northern Iraq say they will only return to Iran if the current theocratic government is replaced and a new leadership guarantees their safety and political rights. Many fled as children after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and have spent decades in exile, holding onto memories of their hometowns through paintings and photographs while living with limited rights in Iraq.

More than 300 families reside in Kawa Camp near Irbil, where generations have grown up without full citizenship, property ownership, or equal access to services. While some joined armed opposition groups, most work in low paying jobs and remain dependent on Iraqi sponsors for legal and financial matters. Their hopes of returning have been stirred by the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, but deep mistrust of foreign powers tempers their expectations.

Armed Iranian Kurdish factions based in Iraq say they lack the military capacity to launch a serious ground offensive without air protection and security guarantees. Iran backed militias have intensified drone and missile attacks on their bases, forcing fighters to move their families to safer areas. Community members fear both escalating violence and surveillance by Iranian intelligence, reinforcing their belief that it is not yet safe to return home.