Kurds residing in northeastern Syria have issued a strong warning to Kurdish groups in Iran, advising them against forming alliances with the United States in opposition to the Iranian government. Drawing from their own recent experiences in Syria, these Kurdish residents emphasized that such partnerships could lead to abandonment and betrayal, urging Iranian Kurds to learn from their hardships. This cautionary stance emerges amid reports that Iranian Kurdish militias based in northern Iraq have been in discussions with the US about potential operations against Iranian security forces in western Iran.
In recent weeks, the United States and Israel have intensified air strikes targeting Iranian interests, heightening tensions across the region. Against this backdrop, Iranian Kurdish factions have sought guidance and support from Washington regarding possible military actions. However, Syrian Kurdish voices have expressed deep skepticism about the reliability of US backing, warning that the American government’s strategic interests may not align with Kurdish aspirations for autonomy or protection.
Saad Ali, a 45-year-old resident of Qamishli—a key Kurdish town in northeastern Syria—voiced his concerns plainly. He cautioned Iranian Kurds against trusting the US, recalling how Kurdish groups in Syria were ultimately left vulnerable after initially cooperating with American forces. Ali highlighted the risk that if Washington were to reach an agreement with Tehran, Kurdish fighters could be sacrificed in the process. His message was clear: “Do not repeat our mistakes.”
Historically, Syrian Kurdish militias allied with the US over a decade ago to combat the Islamic State (ISIS), successfully establishing a semi-autonomous region in the areas they liberated from extremist control. This alliance allowed them to exercise a degree of self-governance and security for several years. However, the situation dramatically shifted in January when Syria’s national army, loyal to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, launched a major offensive that reclaimed much of the Kurdish-held territory. The Kurds appealed to the US for assistance during this critical period but were met with disappointment when Washington instead encouraged them to integrate with Sharaa’s forces, leaving many feeling betrayed and exposed.
This experience has left a lasting impact on Syrian Kurds, who now view their dealings with the US through a lens of caution and mistrust. Amjad Kardo, a 26-year-old Kurdish resident of Qamishli, underscored the importance of Iranian Kurds securing concrete and legally binding guarantees from the US before engaging in any conflict within Iran. He stressed that without such assurances, Kurdish involvement could lead to devastating consequences, as witnessed in Syria. Kardo described the Kurdish-American relationship in Syria as a “negative experience,” marked by abandonment at crucial moments.
Meanwhile, Iranian Kurdish leaders themselves have expressed apprehension about potential betrayal. Discussions with the US have included requests for guarantees, though the specifics of these assurances remain undisclosed. The uncertainty surrounding US intentions has fueled debate within Kurdish circles about the wisdom of entering into direct confrontation with Tehran under American auspices.
US President Donald Trump’s statements have added to the complexity of the situation. Initially, he appeared supportive of Kurdish forces crossing from northern Iraq into Iran, describing such a move as “wonderful.” However, shortly thereafter, he seemed to retract this position, clarifying that he did not want Kurdish fighters to enter Iranian territory. This inconsistency has further complicated Kurdish decision-making processes and raised questions about Washington’s true commitment.
Ahmed Barakat, leader of the Kurdish Progressive Democratic Party in Syria, advised Iranian Kurdish groups to proceed with “extreme caution.” While acknowledging that the ultimate choice rests with the Iranian Kurds themselves, Barakat warned that accepting US invitations to spearhead opposition against the Iranian regime might not serve their best interests at this time. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among Syrian Kurds who remain wary of becoming pawns in larger geopolitical struggles.
Adding another layer to this intricate scenario, Israel has reportedly been engaging in talks with Iranian Kurdish insurgents based in Iraqi Kurdistan for over a year. These discussions highlight the regional and international dimensions of Kurdish aspirations and the complex web of alliances and rivalries that shape their struggle.
The Kurdish people, an ethnic group with a distinct language related to Farsi and predominantly Sunni Muslim faith, have long faced statelessness since the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire a century ago. Their traditional homeland spans a mountainous region that crosses the borders of Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. While Iraqi Kurds have established a recognized regional government over three northern provinces, Kurdish populations in Iran, Turkey, and Syria continue to grapple with the denial of autonomy and statehood, fueling ongoing tensions and resistance movements.
