Iranian Kurdish Groups Form Alliance, Sparking Iranian Retaliation
On February 22, 2026, five Iranian Kurdish opposition parties exiled in Iraqi Kurdistan announced the formation of a coalition aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic of Iran. The alliance includes the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), led by Mustafa Hijri, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Party of Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) – linked to the PKK – the Iranian Kurdistan Struggle Organization (Khabat), and Komala of Kurdistan Workers. A further branch, the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, joined on March 4th, bringing the total number of formations to six.
Escalating Tensions: Iranian Strikes and Regional Implications
Since the beginning of the conflict, Iran has increased strikes against the bases of these parties. Bases belonging to the PDKI, including the Azadi camp near Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, have been repeatedly targeted, resulting in at least one injury. Similarly, bases of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) near Duhok have likewise been hit, causing one fatality and another injury on March 4th, according to a spokesperson. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed targeting opposition groups, stating that “bases and headquarters of Komala and anti-revolutionary groups were successfully targeted with three missiles.”
A missile and drone attack on a camp housing families of Komala members occurred overnight between March 4th and 5th, with no reported casualties, according to a party official, Mohammed Hakimi.
A Shifting Regional Landscape and Kurdish Unity
Chirwan al-Chimrani, an independent Kurdish journalist based in Erbil, cautions against jumping to conclusions, despite signs of a potential cross-border operation by exiled Kurdish militants in Iraq. He notes that these parties were historically divided, lacking a unified vision. Still, the new coalition signifies a potential shift.
These parties were not united in the past. They did not have a common vision, each party opposing the other, claiming to be the sole legitimate representative. But this new unity with the creation of the coalition is an indication that something is happening.
Al-Chimrani also points to Iran’s immediate threats and bombardments as an indication of concern. He further highlights a statement by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warning against the division of Iranian territory as another sign of heightened awareness.
US-Israeli Involvement and Targeting of Iranian Assets
Since the beginning of the campaign, a US-Israeli coalition has targeted military and security sites of the Iranian regime in Iranian Kurdistan (including the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam and West Azerbaijan), a region bordering Iraqi Kurdistan. An Israeli military spokesperson stated their air force is “actively engaged in western Iran to diminish Iranian capabilities and facilitate operations toward Tehran.”
This strategy aims to weaken Iranian security forces, potentially enabling exiled Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq and those already within Iran to launch an offensive against the regime.
The nature of the bombardments, the type of targets and their intensity in the last two days [3 and 4 March] in particular, and today especially, all this suggests that preparations are underway, as the focus is currently on all headquarters of the police, Basij forces [paramilitary force], the Revolutionary Guards, and the Iranian army. That is to say that all the main Iranian armed forces are now being targeted even in the small Kurdish towns of western Iran.
Border Crossings and Regional Concerns
Reports from outlets like Axios indicated that Iranian Kurdish forces exiled in Iraq had sent hundreds of members across the border in recent weeks to prepare for an offensive. However, most parties within the coalition – PDKI, Komala, PAK, Khabat – have denied any border crossings at this stage, dismissing such reports as rumors.
PAK and Komala have repositioned towards areas closer to the Iran-Iraq border in the Sulaymaniyah province, anticipating a potential cross-border operation.
Supporting armed Kurdish factions could also concern Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, all of which have significant Kurdish populations. Barbara Leaf, a former US Assistant Secretary of State, warned that a serious US engagement with Iranian Kurds could “stir up a hornet’s nest,” potentially provoking strong reactions from Turkish President Recep Erdogan, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and Syrian President Bashar al-Sharaa, as well as concerns from Gulf leaders.
FAQ
Q: Who is Mustafa Hijri?
A: Mustafa Hijri is the current leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI).
Q: What is the goal of the new coalition?
A: The primary goal of the coalition is to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Q: What has been Iran’s response to the coalition?
A: Iran has increased strikes against the bases of the parties involved in the coalition within Iraqi Kurdistan.
Q: Are the US and Israel directly involved?
A: A US-Israeli coalition has been targeting Iranian military and security sites in Iranian Kurdistan.
