Iran deploys heavy weaponry to Kurdish regions amid fears of renewed conflict with Israel, US

Iran has deployed artillery and heavy weaponry to Kurdish regions near the Iraqi border, intensifying operations against Kurdish opposition groups amid fears of renewed conflict with Israel and the US. The IRGC has moved forces to areas including Sanandaj and Marivan, and Iran has demanded Iraq expel Kurdish groups.

Iran has deployed artillery and heavy weaponry to Kurdish regions in the northwest of the country, near the Iraqi border, amid growing fears of a wider conflict with Israel and the United States. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is intensifying operations against Kurdish Iranian opposition groups, including the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK). According to Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, the IRGC has moved convoys of forces into areas such as Sanandaj, Kamyaran, Sarvabad, Marivan, and Baneh. The Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) reported that hundreds of IRGC special forces, believed to be from the Saberin Unit, have been dispatched over the past few weeks. Iran has also demanded that Iraq expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups, with Iran's ambassador claiming Baghdad agreed. In the past week, Iran targeted groups including the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), PDKI, Komala, and Khabat, notably attacking a PAK camp near Mount Harir using drones. The four groups, along with PJAK, are part of a Kurdish Iranian opposition coalition formed in early 2026. The deployment comes as reports circulate that Israel and the US could return to operations against Iran.