Report: Kurdish Fighters Have Been Entering Iran From Iraq and Clashing With the IRGC

By Dave DeCamp | The Libertarian Institute | January 14, 2026

Turkish intelligence has warned Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that Kurdish fighters have been entering Iran from Iraq amid protests inside Iran, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

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The US has a significant presence in Iraqi Kurdistan, including a military base and an $800 million consulate compound that it opened in December. The Israeli Mossad is also known for having a presence in the area, and Iran claimed that it attacked a Mossad base in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2024.

Previously:

Trump Has Strong Options for Iran /Alastair Crooke & Lt Col Daniel Davis

These are the same Iraqi Kurds for whom the U.S. established the post‑1991 autonomous zone. Erbil Governorate sits on the Iran‑facing side of Iraqi Kurdistan. The U.S. operates Harir Air Base there (active since 2003) and maintains the largest consulate compound in the world. This is a forward U.S. position on Iran’s border. The U.S./Coalition also has units in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, which likewise borders Iran.