WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has directed Kurdish forces not to participate in the ongoing conflict with Iran, citing concerns that their involvement would unnecessarily complicate the situation. The statement, made on Saturday, March 7, 2026, aboard Air Force One, comes amid escalating tensions in the region following recent strikes against Iran.
“We don’t want the Kurds to be involved. We don’t want to make things more complex than they already are,” Trump said, according to reports. “I don’t want to see Kurdish forces get hurt or killed. And we’re having a good day. They want to go in. But I told them, I don’t want them to get involved.”
This announcement follows earlier statements from Trump expressing support for a potential Kurdish offensive against Iran. The White House had previously denied reports suggesting plans to arm Kurdish groups, many of whom have received training from U.S. Forces in the past to combat ISIS in Iraq.
The development underscores the complex dynamics at play as the U.S. And Israel continue operations targeting Iran’s governing system. Trump reiterated his commitment to continuing attacks on Iran until the country is no longer capable of fighting, and insisted he would not accept anything less than Iran’s unconditional surrender.
Trump likewise asserted his right to weigh in on the selection of Iran’s next leader, following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israel strike on Saturday, February 28, 2026. A successor has not yet been named.
“I reckon it’s wonderful that they want to do that, I’d be all for it,” Trump told Reuters on Thursday, March 5, 2026, when asked about the prospects of a Kurdish rebellion in Iran. Al Jazeera reported on this statement.
However, Trump has now ruled out having Kurdish forces join the conflict, believing it would add another layer of complexity. MSN reported that Trump told Kurdish forces not to enter the Iran war.
According to a source confirmed by Sky News, Trump did not ask Kurdish armed groups based in Iraqi Kurdistan to launch a ground incursion into Iran when he spoke to political leaders on the phone, and there is no covert CIA operation currently underway to arm the groups.
