A new analysis examines the Trump administration's strategy to arm Kurdish fighters as part of efforts to pressure Iran's government. According to War on the Rocks, the plan involved supporting Kurdish forces to infiltrate Iran from positions in Iraq, with the broader goal of fomenting popular uprising against the Iranian regime.
The strategy built on Kurdish fighters' established reputation as effective U.S. military partners, particularly demonstrated during operations against the Islamic State in Syria. Kurdish groups maintain existing networks along the Iran-Iraq border and inside Iran, making them potentially valuable assets for cross-border operations.