In a surprising claim, President Donald Trump said the US tried to arm anti-government protesters in Iran earlier this year.
“We sent weapons to the protesters, a lot of them… And I think the Kurds took the weapons,” Trump told Fox News.
There is no independent confirmation of this claim.
Trump also claimed that the Iranian government had “murdered” 45,000 people during recent anti-regime protests.
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However, no official figures have been released by Iran, with activists’ estimates and reports varying widely.
The Kurds are cautious despite their willingness to fight
Kurdish rebel groups based in northern Iraq have previously said they are ready to face Iranian forces if necessary.
Senior commander Roken Nerada of the Kurdistan Free Life Party said: “If there is an attack on the Kurdish people… we are ready to resist as always.”
However, he added that achieving their goals without external support remains preferable.
The US attitude towards Kurdish participation is changing
Trump initially signaled openness to a Kurdish offensive, but later appeared to back down.
“We don’t expect the Kurds to come in. We don’t want to make the war more complicated than it already is,” he said.
Regional tensions and threats are increasing
Iran has warned it will attack facilities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region if Kurdish militants launch attacks from across the border.
Kurdish groups, which Tehran has long designated as terrorist organizations, have largely refrained from armed activities in recent years due to political pressure.
Trump says Iran deal possible by Monday, issues new threat
“Good chance” of a deal within hours
Trump said a deal with Iran could be reached as early as Monday and expressed optimism that talks were continuing, according to reports.
“I think there’s a good chance tomorrow, they’re negotiating now,” Trump said.
Warning to “blow everything up” if talks fail
Despite the optimism, Trump issued a stark warning if talks collapse.
“If they don’t make a deal and quickly, I’m considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil,” he said in an interview.
The remarks come shortly after Trump threatened on social media to target Iran’s power plants and bridges unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalating rhetoric will intensify
Trump’s comments indicate a a sharp escalation in rhetoric, including an earlier warning against Iran “open the strait…or live in hell.”
He also suggested that Monday could be “Bridge Day”, signaling potential strikes on key infrastructure.
Diplomacy versus Escalation
With negotiations ongoing and threats escalating at the same time, attention is now focused on whether a last-minute deal can prevent further military action.
Trump’s dual message — optimism for negotiations alongside threats of large-scale strikes — underscores the fragile and volatile state of the crisis.
Read also | Trump Warns of Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure Tuesday Amid Hormuz Blockade
