WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump criticized Kurdish groups on Monday for allegedly failing to support efforts against Iran’s regime, although sources told The Jerusalem Post that he personally blocked a proposed uprising plan.
According to foreign reports, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, suggested supporting mass protests and a Kurdish-backed revolt aimed at destabilizing the Iranian leadership during the recent US-Israeli military campaign. However, sources said Trump eventually vetoed the proposal despite discussions within allied defense circles.
Senior American defense officials reportedly opposed the initiative from the beginning. Consequently, their concerns influenced Trump’s final decision alongside other geopolitical considerations. Foreign media reports also claimed that Turkey urged Washington not to proceed with the operation due to regional security fears.
Israeli officials reportedly sought broader US involvement during the conflict. Earlier reports stated that Israeli military chief Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, Mossad Director David Barnea, and Intelligence Directorate head Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder held meetings with senior US defense officials and participated in video discussions involving Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump publicly acknowledged supplying weapons to Kurdish forces. However, he later accused Kurdish groups of failing to launch an effective uprising against Tehran despite evidence suggesting the administration itself halted the strategy.
Observers noted that Trump’s remarks appeared aimed at distancing himself from criticism over the Iranian government remaining in power after the military campaign. Nevertheless, questions continue surrounding Washington’s internal disagreements over regime-change options and the broader regional implications of supporting armed uprisings against Tehran.
