Thursday, February 26, 2026
24 C
Baghdad

Reza Pahlavi Criticized by Kurdish Leaders Amid Rising Tensions

Kurds united against Iran is the guiding principle behind a new political alliance formed by Iranian Kurdish parties this week. The alliance seeks to strengthen Kurdish self-determination and challenge the Islamic Republic’s oppressive policies. The announcement has sparked strong reactions among Iranian opposition figures, highlighting growing tensions within the opposition.

Abdullah Mohtadi, Secretary-General of the Komala Party, criticized Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi for attempting to divide Kurdish efforts. Pahlavi accused several groups of undermining Iran’s territorial integrity, seemingly targeting the newly-formed Kurdish alliance. Mohtadi responded that Kurds are completely united against Iran and remain committed to a democratic future that protects the rights of all nationalities.

“Our participation or absence in any coalition does not weaken this fundamental belief or our solidarity,” Mohtadi emphasized. He added that Pahlavi’s accusations “inject hatred and hostility” between citizens, repeating false narratives used by Tehran to justify repression.

Pahlavi also claimed that some Kurdish groups historically collaborated with both Saddam Hussein and Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader who overthrew the Shah in 1979. He framed Iran’s territorial integrity as a non-negotiable “red line” and warned that anyone crossing it would face the nation’s decisive response.

Despite these warnings, the Kurdish alliance is moving forward. It brings together five major Kurdish parties: the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and the Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle (Khabat). The coalition aims to consolidate efforts to advance Kurdish political and cultural rights while resisting Iran’s authoritarian control.

The Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry clarified its position, distancing itself from armed Kurdish movements targeting Iran. The ministry emphasized that the Region promotes stability and peace, never threatening neighboring countries or allowing its territory to be used against them.

Analysts say this new Kurdish alliance could strengthen the Kurds’ political voice within the region. It also signals a more organized approach to addressing longstanding grievances with Tehran. Kurds united against Iran continue to be the driving force behind their strategy, highlighting determination in the face of repression.

The formation of this coalition also underscores internal divisions among Iranian opposition groups. While some emphasize national unity, Kurdish parties insist that true democracy requires respecting minority rights and ensuring fair representation.

Hot this week

Russia Agrees to Repatriate ISIS Detainees from Iraq

The Iraqi embassy in Moscow confirmed that Russia will...

Al-Sudani Coalition Warns on Presidency Stalemate

Iraq is facing a presidential stalemate, as lawmakers cannot...

Gold Prices Steady in Baghdad, Dip in Erbil

Gold prices stabilized in Baghdad on Thursday, while Erbil...

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid Presents Key Appointments to Baghdad and Salah al-Din

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid officially presented the appointment...

Basrah Crudes Dip Despite Global Oil Gains

Basrah crudes experienced a decline on Thursday, even as...

Topics

Russia Agrees to Repatriate ISIS Detainees from Iraq

The Iraqi embassy in Moscow confirmed that Russia will...

Al-Sudani Coalition Warns on Presidency Stalemate

Iraq is facing a presidential stalemate, as lawmakers cannot...

Gold Prices Steady in Baghdad, Dip in Erbil

Gold prices stabilized in Baghdad on Thursday, while Erbil...

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid Presents Key Appointments to Baghdad and Salah al-Din

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid officially presented the appointment...

Basrah Crudes Dip Despite Global Oil Gains

Basrah crudes experienced a decline on Thursday, even as...

Dollar Market Fluctuations in Iraq

Dollar market fluctuations affected Iraq’s main cities on Thursday,...

Kurdistan Oil: How Law and Geopolitics Shape the Region’s Future

By Kamiyar Deraney Oil and gas are central to the...

Iraqi courts enforce strict justice in major drug trafficking case

Iraqi drug trafficking convictions took center stage on Tuesday...

Related Articles