According to an Axios report, Iraqi Kurdish leaders have chosen to remain neutral in the current conflict against Iran, motivated by concerns of potential abandonment by the United States. This decision stems from a precarious situation in which the Kurdish region feels caught in a "three-dimensional vise" amidst escalating military actions across borders, coupled with apprehensions about the final objectives of the Trump administration. Previous experiences have also colored their views, leading to fears of changing international policies that might leave them vulnerable.

The Kurdish region's choice of neutrality is further explained by a statement from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, which expresses deep-seated trust issues rooted in the past and a desire to avoid entanglement in a conflict that they see as riddled with uncertainty. The prevailing sentiment among Kurdish officials reflects skepticism about the clarity of President Trump's messages regarding the war’s end goals—whether it is aimed at "regime change" or merely a "staff change." This ambivalence makes the question of who will ensure their protection if the Iranian regime survives the conflict an urgent one.

In summary, the Iraqi Kurds' decision to maintain a neutral stance represents a cautious strategy to safeguard their interests amid a turbulent regional landscape. Their concerns highlight the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy and its potential impacts on the stability of allied groups like the Iraqi Kurds, as they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics that question the reliability of international support and intervention.