In a recent development following the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel, Iran has conducted military strikes on its neighbors, Iraq and Azerbaijan. These attacks were triggered by concerns that Washington might provoke separatist movements among ethnic groups located near the borders. The Iranian government specified that the most significant strikes occurred in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, where they claimed to have targeted seven bases of semi-autonomous militia groups. The Iranian state news agency Irna reported that three missiles were used to strike the headquarters of Kurdish opposition groups that are seen as defying Iran's Islamic revolution.

Prior to these attacks, Iran had already retaliated against Iraq due to its involvement in the ongoing conflict, with drones and missiles launched at American bases in the region. In the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, strikes were carried out by pro-Iran rebel groups funded by Tehran. The timing of these actions coincides with new intelligence reports alleging a CIA plan to arm Iraqi Kurds, enabling them to cross into Iran and stimulate a separatist movement against the Iranian state.

This increased military activity poses significant geopolitical implications for the region, as it reflects Iran's anxiety over U.S. influence and the potential for ethnic strife along its borders. The situation could escalate tensions between Iran and its neighbors, especially given the historical context of ethnic Kurdish ambitions for independence and the existing fragile dynamics within Iraq and Azerbaijan. Furthermore, the involvement of external powers like the U.S. complicates the landscape, raising concerns about a broader military confrontation.