The U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran is now facing the growing risk of becoming a 'forever war' due to the potential involvement of Kurdish forces. The White House recently announced 'Operation Epic Fury,' a military campaign with deliberately ambiguous goals and an open-ended timeline, stating it could “last for weeks.” This announcement has shifted the narrative from a short, decisive strike to a potentially protracted conflict.
Entering this volatile situation is the newly formed Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK). Reports suggest that U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies may be considering these organized Kurdish groups as ground partners. If Kurdish forces engage in a ground war, the conflict's nature could fundamentally change from containing Iran's military capabilities to actively pursuing regime change, which significantly increases the risk of it spiraling into a civil war.
So why does Kurdish involvement point towards a 'forever war'? There are three main reasons. First, the geography of the Iran-Iraq border, dominated by the Zagros Mountains, is a natural fortress. This terrain is ideal for guerrilla warfare, making it incredibly difficult for conventional armies to achieve a clear victory. It’s a textbook setting for a long, low-intensity conflict.
Second, the political dynamics are complex. While many Iranians oppose the current regime, a separatist movement backed by foreign powers like the U.S. and Israel could trigger a nationalist backlash. This could paradoxically unite the population against a common external threat, leading to a prolonged insurgency rather than a swift collapse of the government.
Finally, historical precedent serves as a stark warning. The 2011 intervention in Libya, which combined airstrikes with local rebel forces to topple a regime, resulted not in stability but in over a decade of civil war, political fragmentation, and economic hardship. This shows that regime collapse does not automatically lead to a stable new order. These factors are already being reflected in the market, with oil prices soaring due to fears of supply disruptions in the critical Strait of Hormuz.
- Kurdish People: One of the world's largest stateless ethnic groups, residing in a region spanning Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
- Operation Epic Fury: The codename for the U.S.-Israeli joint military operation against Iran that began in late February 2026.
- Zagros Mountains: A long mountain range in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, known for its rugged terrain that is well-suited for guerrilla warfare.