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Kurdish Army Strikes Iran Amid Protests, Tensions Rise

1/19/2026

Center

Kurdish Army Strikes

The National Army of Kurdistan (PAK) attacked Iran's Revolutionary Guard in response to the crackdown on protests.
PAK claims it inflicted significant damage and defended protesters.
Iranian media label the demonstrators as terrorists and accuse Kurdish groups of inciting unrest without evidence.
The conflict strains Iraq's ties with Iran, with Baghdad previously agreeing to disarm Kurdish dissidents, and PAK remains active with funding from supporters in Iran and the diaspora.

Right

Madanescht Drives Protest

Calor Madanescht, a U-Haul driver, says the Los Angeles Police Department directed him to drive through a protest against the Iranian regime in Los Angeles.
He insists he intended no harm but was attacked by demonstrators after stopping.
Videos show the truck moving through a crowd.
The protest reflects ongoing unrest in Iran, with over 18,470 arrests and 2,615 deaths, including 2,435 protesters, per the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, establishing the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This upheaval, marked by over 1,000 deaths, stemmed from widespread discontent with the Shah's regime, perceived as corrupt and overly Westernized. The revolution's legacy continues to fuel tensions, particularly among ethnic minorities like the Kurds, as seen in recent protests and attacks in Los Angeles.

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Kurdish Army Strikes

The National Army of Kurdistan (PAK) attacked Iran's Revolutionary Guard in response to the crackdown on protests.
PAK claims it inflicted significant damage and defended protesters.
Iranian media label the demonstrators as terrorists and accuse Kurdish groups of inciting unrest without evidence.
The conflict strains Iraq's ties with Iran, with Baghdad previously agreeing to disarm Kurdish dissidents, and PAK remains active with funding from supporters in Iran and the diaspora.

1 / 3