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An Iranian Kurdish opposition group based in Iraq says it is considering a possible ground operation inside Iran, according to remarks by its leader.
Babasheikh Hosseini, secretary general of the Khabat Organisation of Iranian Kurdistan, told Al Jazeera that a ground operation by Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish fighters is highly likely, though no final decision has been made.
When asked if members had launched a ground operation, Hosseini said they were not conducting any offensive actions at the moment.
“At this moment, no. We are not currently engaged in any offensive operations,” he said.
He added that planning had been underway for some time and that current conditions could increase the likelihood of action.
“We have been planning for a long time and now that conditions are more favorable, there is a strong probability of action,” Hosseini said.
He said a final decision had not yet been made but that it was “highly likely we will move forward with a ground operation.”
Hosseini said the U.S. had made contact with the group through various channels.
“The Americans have contacted us through various channels, but until now, we have not met directly—but they contacted us,” he said.
According to Hosseini, the contacts focused on discussions about possible cooperation in the future.
“They asked what we should do with this regime, what are the ways and talking if we could cooperate in the future, only in that context,” he said.
He added that there had been no direct communication with U.S. officials so far.
“There’s been no direct communication until now but through intermediaries, through other Kurdish people,” he said.
Hosseini also said that if cooperation develops in the future, the group would need additional military resources.
“When the time comes and we meet with them, it becomes clear in the operational field,” he said.
“Of course, in the operational field we need weaponry, explosives and also advanced equipment.”
He added that the group currently relies on outdated equipment.
“As you know, the equipment we have is basic and old,” Hosseini said, adding that modern warfare is far more advanced and that they have a specific request to address this gap.
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