United States and Israeli officials say Kurdish forces backed by the Central Intelligence Agency and Israel are preparing for a possible ground offensive against Iran in the country’s northwest. The discussions are part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Tehran during ongoing military strikes, with some reports indicating that Kurdish fighters have already crossed from Iraq into Iranian territory.

Several Iranian Kurdish dissident groups recently formed a coalition aimed at opposing the Iranian government. Thousands of fighters are positioned along the Iran-Iraq border, and hundreds have reportedly moved into Iran in preparation for potential clashes. Supporters of the plan believe a coordinated Kurdish offensive could stretch Iran’s military resources, spark internal unrest, and possibly enable opposition groups to seize territory in northern Iran.

President Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with Kurdish leaders and offered potential air support if they attempt to take control of parts of western Iran, urging them to choose between aligning with the United States and Israel or with Tehran. However, senior officials in Washington have publicly denied that the United States is arming Kurdish groups or formally backing a militia offensive.

Iran has responded with drone strikes against Kurdish positions and pressed Iraqi leaders to prevent fighters from crossing the border. Iraqi officials have pledged that their territory will not be used to launch attacks on Iran. Analysts warn that arming Kurdish factions could risk triggering a prolonged civil conflict and further destabilizing the region.