Syria's Kurds Caution Iran's Kurds Against Aligning with U.S. Against Tehran

On March 8, 2026, Kurdish leaders from northeast Syria voiced strong concerns regarding the potential for Iranian Kurdish groups to align with the United States in opposition to Tehran. This warning comes amidst growing discussions among Iranian Kurdish militias about coordinating with the U.S. for possible attacks against Iranian security forces.

The cultural and historical context of the Kurdish struggle for autonomy is reflected in statements from community members in Syria. Saad Ali, a local resident from Qamishli, cautioned Iranian Kurds, saying, "I hope that the Kurds of Iran will not ally themselves with America, because they will abandon them." He further warned that such partnerships could lead to dire consequences if the U.S. makes deals with Iranian authorities.

Syrian Kurds have previously allied with the U.S. over a decade ago to combat the rise of the Islamic State. While this partnership led to significant territorial gains and the establishment of a semi-autonomous region, many Kurdish fighters felt betrayed when, in January 2026, U.S. officials urged them to merge with forces loyal to the newly formed Syrian army under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Amjad Kardo, another Kurdish resident, echoed similar sentiments, advising Iranian Kurds to hold a firm stance and seek guaranteed support from the U.S. before engaging in any military actions. His message was clear: they should not repeat what he described as the mistakes made by the Kurdish factions in Syria, who have since felt abandoned by their allies.

While the Iranian Kurdish factions are considering military action to counter the Iranian government amid rising tensions fueled by U.S. and Israeli military operations, concerns about loyalty and support from the U.S. continue to dominate discussions among Kurdish leaders. They seek assurances that any collaboration would not result in them being left vulnerable to Iranian reprisals.

Overall, the ongoing geopolitical landscape presents a complex scenario for Kurdish groups, intertwining their aspirations for autonomy with great power interests, and the historical lessons from Syria are shaping their strategic decisions moving forward.