Trump Calls Kurdish Leaders to Discuss Iran War Effort and Potential Armed Uprising
President Trump spoke by phone with Kurdish leaders Masoud Barzani (KDP) and Bafel Talabani (PUK) in Iraq on March 3, 2026, one day after the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign against Iran began. According to multiple sources, Trump discussed the ongoing war with Iran and what might come next, with officials indicating he was seeking Kurdish support for potential insurgent efforts against Tehran. The Kurds control strategic areas along the Iran-Iraq border with thousands of soldiers. Trump reportedly told Talabani that the Kurds must choose a side in the battle. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to discuss specifics but confirmed Trump had been in contact with many regional allies and partners. Reports indicate Trump is open to supporting groups inside Iran willing to take up arms to overthrow the regime, potentially fomenting an armed uprising using Kurdish fighting forces.
“President Trump was clear in his Sunday call to PUK leader Bafel Talabani, telling him the Kurds must choose a side in the battle.” — According to sources familiar with the call, characterizing Trump's message to Kurdish leadership regarding their role in the Iran conflict
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryThis event represents a critical escalation in presidential foreign policy conduct. Trump's direct outreach to Kurdish leaders to encourage armed insurgency against Iran raises serious questions about constitutional war-making authority, potential violations of international law, and the risk of expanding regional conflict. The timing - one day after U.S.-Israel bombing began - suggests coordination of military and insurgent strategies. The lack of direct quotes from Trump himself and reliance on source characterizations is a documentation weakness, though multiple corroborating sources strengthen the record. This action pattern of encouraging armed conflict and regime change through proxy forces has historical precedents with severe long-term consequences.