On the sixth day of the conflict with Iran (March 5, 2026), reports indicate the U.S. is prepared to provide air support to Kurdish fighters if they launch a ground offensive into western Iran.

 

Iran war briefing: US reportedly ready to provide support to Kurdish fighters if they enter conflict

On the sixth day of the conflict with Iran (March 5, 2026), reports indicate the U.S. is prepared to provide air support to Kurdish fighters if they launch a ground offensive into western Iran.

The U.S. and Israel have reportedly been in talks with Iranian Kurdish militias based in northern Iraq to mobilize a new front against Tehran.

 

Key Developments

Military Readiness: A U.S. official stated the U.S. is ready to provide air support specifically if Kurdish Peshmerga fighters cross the border from Iraq.

Ground Activity: Some Kurdish dissident groups, such as the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), have already moved forces to the Iranian border and are on standby for a potential cross-border operation.

Strategic Goal: The objective of arming these groups is to stretch Iranian security forces and foment a popular uprising against the regime following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

CIA Involvement: Reports from CNN suggest the CIA is working to funnel arms to these militias, a program that reportedly began covertly even before the current escalation.

 

Official Stance

White House Denial: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that while President Trump has spoken with Kurdish leaders regarding U.S. bases in northern Iraq, reports that he has approved a specific plan for an insurgency are "completely false".

 

Regional Risks: Experts warn that backing ethnic armed groups could "open a hornet's nest," potentially leading to a chaotic civil war and aggravating regional tensions with neighbors like Turkey.

Iran has already responded to these movements by launching missile and drone strikes against Kurdish positions in northern Iraq as of early Thursday.