LUS’s denial of Kurdish support dominated discussions after reports suggested American backing for Kurdish dissident groups. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that US President Donald Trump engages with Kurdish leaders only to discuss American military facilities in the Kurdistan Region. She added that Trump spoke directly to Kurdish leaders about the US base in northern Iraq. Furthermore, she stressed that any report claiming the president approved such a plan is completely false. In addition, her statements directly contradicted a CNN report claiming the CIA supports Kurdish dissident groups targeting Iranian security forces.
The CNN report suggested Kurdish forces could confront Iranian security to allow safe civilian protests. However, US officials firmly rejected any operational involvement. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reinforced this position, stating that none of the US objectives depend on arming Kurdish factions. Moreover, he added, “What other entities may be doing, we are aware of, but our objectives are not centered on that.”
Meanwhile, Kurdish opposition parties in western Iran (Rojhelat) formed a coalition in mid-February. They named it the Alliance of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan. This alliance includes the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle (Khabat), and Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan. On Wednesday, Komala announced joining the coalition, citing a “completely new phase” after recent US-Israeli military actions.
The Kurdistan Region has taken proactive steps to protect its territory amid rising tensions. Nechirvan Barzani told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi that the Region “will not be part of conflicts.” This statement came as Iranian missiles targeted US military sites in Erbil and Kurdish dissident bases. Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it used around 30 drones against Kurdish opposition groups. They vowed rapid confrontation, alleging these groups plan to infiltrate Iran.
US officials continue to insist that all interactions with Kurdish leaders focus on defense coordination. They also highlight that Kurdish dissident actions operate independently of American objectives. Furthermore, analysts warn that misinterpreting US actions could escalate tensions in the region. Therefore, clear communication and diplomacy remain essential to prevent misunderstandings.
US denial of Kurdish support remains a central message. Officials emphasize transparency, stressing that Washington does not direct or arm any Kurdish factions. This stance aims to reduce regional misperceptions and maintain stability. As tensions persist, the US continues to coordinate defense while avoiding political entanglement in local conflicts
