Iran Mobilizes Forces on Iraqi-Kurdish Border

Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
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Iran Mobilizes Forces on Iraqi-Kurdish Border

Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mobilized a large force on the border with the Iraqi-Kurdistan region, threatening to attack bases of Kurdish opposition groups if they continue to pose a threat to Iran.

The Kurdish media network Rudaw reported that during a meeting at the Mariwan border region, IRGC’s Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said his troops were targeting sites of hostile forces within Iraqi territories and the Kurdistan region, adding that they will continue to do so in the future.

“We would strike any location where terrorists are present, organized, and stationed… We will vigorously continue to cleanse the region of terrorists,” stressed Pakpour.

The Brigadier General indicated that the Kurdistan region and Iraq should enhance their monitoring of the borders, asking residents to stay away from the areas near the sites targeted by Iran.

Rudaw reported that a few days ago, IRGC began transporting heavily armed forces to the border areas between Iran’s Mariwan and Iraq’s Penjwen. It also warned the residents against approaching these areas until the end of this week.

On Tuesday, IRGC announced it was conducting major maneuvers in the Mariwan region, with the participation of ground and air forces, drones, and special task forces.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Eastern Kurdistan Protection Units, the military wing of Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), announced that Iran mobilized large forces on the border villages of Mariwan and established large military bases.

The Units issued a statement saying the Iranian forces ordered shepherds to leave those areas, adding that drones flew over the area and artillery units shelled border areas for two hours Tuesday morning.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party announced that the Revolutionary Guard started to establish military bases in the villages on the border of Sardasht, adding that the Corps is also pushing residents towards fighting among its ranks.

Meanwhile, Turkey continues its “Claw-Tiger” operation to neutralize Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), in northern Iraq.

Last week, Baghdad summoned the ambassadors of Turkey and Iran protesting their ongoing military actions and violations of Iraqi sovereignty.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.