Why Iran’s Neighbors Oppose a US-Backed Kurdish Uprising

“Arm the rebels” is a time-worn tactic for governments trying to topple the leadership of a hostile nation. On March 5, as American and Israeli forces bombarded Iran, US President Donald Trump said it would be “wonderful” if Iranian Kurdish separatists joined the offensive by launching raids from their bases across the border in Iraq. Meanwhile, Israel was attacking military and law enforcement targets in parts of northern Iran to make it easier for the militants to take up positions there.

Trump later backed away from the idea of supporting an Iranian Kurdish uprising after it drew a fearful response from leaders of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq and pushback from Turkey, which is trying to resolve its own conflict with Kurdish militants.