Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan
هاوپەیمانیی هێزە سیاسییەکانی کوردستانی ئێران
Hevpeymaniya Hêzên Siyasî yên Kurdistana Îranê
2026–present
Map of Kurdish core areas in Iran
Map of Kurdish core areas in Iran
Headquarters Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Type Political and military alliance
Membership Founding members:
  • Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI)
  • Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK)
  • Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)
  • Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle (Khabat)
  • Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan
Other members:
  • Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan
Historical era 2026 Kurdish–Iranian crisis
• Founding during the 2025–2026 protests in Iran
22 February 2026
• 2026 Iran conflict
28 February 2026

The Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan[a][1] (CPFIK; Kurdish: هاوپەیمانیی هێزە سیاسییەکانی کوردستانی ئێران, romanized: Hevpeymaniya Hêzên Siyasî yên Kurdistana Îranê[2]) is an alliance of major Iranian Kurdish parties. It was formed during the 2025–2026 Iran internal crisis amid rising Kurdish unrest, with the aim of uniting Kurdish forces in Iranian Kurdistan (Eastern Kurdistan) following the 2025–2026 protests and the resulting instability of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the subsequent United States military buildup in the Middle East.[3][4]

History

Background

See also: Kurdish separatism in Iran

The alliance was preceded by the Cooperation Center of Iranian Kurdistan's Political Parties, formed in 2018, and the Dialogue Center for Cooperation Among the Parties of Iranian Kurdistan, established in 2023 in the aftermath of the Jina Mahsa Amini protests to jointly advance Kurdish political interests.[5] Since early 2025, the Dialogue Center held monthly meetings, with the chairmanship rotating among participating parties.[6] According to a statement issued after the alliance's formation, the Dialogue Center played a key role in its establishment by facilitating exchanges of opinions and coordination of activities.[7]

Iranian Kurdish groups, part of the Dialogue Center, have been military targets for Iran, including during the September–October 2022 attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan.[8] In 2023, Iraq and Iran signed a security agreement requiring Baghdad to disarm and relocate these groups from border areas following threats by Tehran.[9]

On 5 January 2026, several Iranian Kurdish parties met under the auspices of the Dialogue Center in a high level meeting to coordinate a joint response to the 2025–2026 protests in Iran.[10] Most Iranian Kurdish parties supported the protests and called for strikes.[9] The strikes were observed in most Kurdish cities of Iran, including in Kermanshah Province, Kurdistan Province, and West Azerbaijan Province.[11] During the protests, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) even claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and stated that it was targeted in retaliatory missile strikes.[8]

On 12 February, seven Iranian Kurdish parties met to ratify a draft agreement and form a coalition of forces. The process was delayed after two parties refused to sign the document. The Dialogue Center decided to postpone the decision but stated that the five parties that had already signed could proceed with establishing the coalition in the coming days if the other two chose not to join.[6]

On 20 February, The Jerusalem Post reported that the Iranian regime could attack Iranian Kurdish parties in the event of a war with the United States.[12]

Founding

Further information: 2026 Kurdish–Iranian crisis

The alliance was founded on 22 February 2026.[3]

In the following days, the Ahwazi Democratic Popular Front,[13] the Broad Solidarity for Freedom and Equality in Iran,[14] the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK),[15] Yehuda Ben Yosef, President of the Jewish Kurdish Community in Israel,[16] and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) congratulated the coalition on its establishment.[17] However, the formation also drew hostile reactions from other groups. The de facto leader of the monarchist opposition, Reza Pahlavi, criticized the alliance, accusing the Kurdish parties of separatism and threatening military action after the fall of the current regime. In response, the alliance reaffirmed its commitment to Kurdish rights and called on "pro-freedom forces" to stand against authoritarianism.[18][19][20]

Following the 2026 Israel–United States strikes on Iran, representatives of the coalition stated that they were jointly coordinating political and military decisions and preparing for a new phase, claiming that their forces were "deep inside Iran" and along the Iran–Iraq border, ready to respond as the situation develops.[21] Some members claimed that their forces were already engaged in fighting the Iranian army, while their positions were simultaneously targeted by missile and drone strikes in the Kurdistan Region.[22]

On 2 March 2026, in their first joint statement since its founding, the coalition and its members addressed Iran's armed forces stationed in Kurdish areas, urging them to "separate themselves from the remnants of the Islamic Republic." The statement also called on the population to remain vigilant and coordinated, align political actions with the alliance's guidance, and protect public institutions and service facilities during what it described as a period of potential regime collapse and popular uprising.[23]

On 3 March 2026, intensified attacks in the Kurdish‑majority areas of western Iran, including strikes on border posts along the Iran–Iraq border and other security facilities, were described by some analysts as having "paved the way for a Kurdish advance."[24][25] This coincided with a call between US President Donald Trump and Mustafa Hijri, the leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), a founding member of the coalition.[26]

Members

Its founding members include the five largest Iranian Kurdish parties, most of which are based in exile in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These include:[3]

  • Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI)
  • Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK)
  • Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)
  • Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle (Khabat)
  • Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan

The following party leaders participated in the official press declaration and signed the agreement that formally established the alliance: Mustafa Hijri (PDKI), Hussein Yazdanpanah (PAK), Baba Sheikh Hosseini (Khabat), Viyan Peyman (PJAK), and Reza Kaabi (Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan).[3]

The Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, led by Abdullah Mohtadi, and the Komala Kurdistan's Organization of the Communist Party of Iran (CPI), initially refrained from signing the agreement,[27] even though they had been part of the Dialogue Center.[6] The Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan did not sign the agreement, citing ambiguities and unclear objectives. However, it acknowledged some positive aspects, welcomed the unity promoted by the alliance, and called for a joint administration during a transitional period in Kurdistan, a unified "Peshmerga force", and coordinated international diplomacy. The party emphasized that it does not oppose the coalition.[28]

Other members include:

  • Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (joined the coalition on 4 March 2026 after initially holding off)[29]

Objectives and charter

Primary objectives

The primary objectives of the alliance are "the struggle to bring down the Islamic Republic of Iran, the realization of the Kurdish people's right to self-determination, and the establishment of a national and democratic institution based on the political will of the Kurdish nation in Eastern Kurdistan."[9]

Provisions for Eastern Kurdistan

  • Kurdish self-determination.[30]
  • Recognition of legitimate self-defense.[31]
  • Rejection and condemnation of internal violence.[31]
  • Formation of a joint diplomatic committee to coordinate external relations.[31]
  • Establishment of a joint command center for Peshmerga (KDPI, PAK, Khabat, Komala) and guerrilla (PJAK) forces.[31]
  • Liberation of Eastern Kurdistan and establishment of a democratic administrative system in it.[31]
  • Administration of liberated areas through a central alliance management structure.[31]
  • Organization and supervision of free and democratic elections in Eastern Kurdistan following liberation.[31]
  • All member forces are to respect and accept the results of these democratic elections.[31]
  • Adoption of a flag to represent Eastern Kurdistan, with no opposition to the existing Kurdistan flag.[32]

Provisions for Iran

  • Democratization and secularization of Iran.[33]

Other objectives

  • Cooperation with other "oppressed nations" and opposition forces.[30]
  • Full gender equality.[30]
  • Supplementary provisions may be added.[31]

See also

  • People's Fighters Front – a Baluch nationalist umbrella organization formed in late 2025 through the merger of several Iran-based Baluch separatist groups, which serves as a similar coalition structure to the Kurdish alliance.
  • Cooperation Center of Iranian Kurdistan's Political Parties – Iranian Kurdish political alliance formed in 2018.

Notes

  1. ^ Also known as Rojhelat Alliance/Coalition, Eastern Kurdistan Alliance/Coalition, Iranian Kurdistan Alliance/Coalition, or just Kurdistan Alliance/Coalition

References

  1. ^ "Announcement Statement of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan". Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  2. ^ "5 partiyên Rojhilatê Kurdistanê hevpeymaniyek ava kir" [5 parties in Eastern Kurdistan form a coalition]. Rudaw Media Network (in Kurdish). Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  3. ^ a b c d "Iranian Kurdish opposition parties form new alliance amid rising US-Iran tensions". Rudaw. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  4. ^ "Iran Update, February 25, 2026". Institute for the Study of War. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  5. ^ Bodette, Meghan (10 January 2026). "Iran's Kurdish Parties Work Towards Unity as Protests Escalate". Kurdish Peace Institute. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  6. ^ a b c Mukriyan, Rojin (17 February 2026). "Iranian Kurdish Parties Delay Landmark Coalition Agreement". the Amargi. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  7. ^ "Five Kurdish parties form alliance in Eastern Kurdistan". Hawar News. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  8. ^ a b "Kurdish group claims Iran missile, drone attack | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post. 21 January 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  9. ^ a b c "Iranian Kurdish opposition groups form new joint alliance". The New Region. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  10. ^ Frantzman, Seth (15 January 2026). "Kurdish opposition groups in Iran support protests, claim attacks on Tehran regime". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  11. ^ "Kurdistan on strike as shops and markets close across 39 cities". Hengaw. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
  12. ^ "Egera Êrîşa Amerîka ser Îranê û Bandora Wê li Alîyên Kurdên Îranê". Voice of America (in Kurdish). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  13. ^ "بەرەی دێموکراتیکی خەڵکی ئەحواز پیرۆزبایی پێکهاتنی "هاوپەیمانیی هێزە سیاسییەکانی کوردستانی ئێران"ی کرد" [The People's Democratic Front of Ahvaz congratulates the formation of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan]. KDPI on X. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  14. ^ "The Political Coalition of the Comprehensive Alliance for Freedom and Equality in Iran supported the formation of a coalition of political forces in Iranian Kurdistan". PDKI on X. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  15. ^ "Kurdistan National Congress Welcomes Formation of the "Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan"". Rojhelat Info. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  16. ^ "Kurdên Cihû li Îsraîlê Hevpeymanîya 5 Hêzên Kurdên Îranê Pîroz Dikin". Voice of America (in Kurdish). 23 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  17. ^ "Congratulatory Message from the Co-Chairmanship of the Democratic Union Party on the Formation of the Coalition of Political Forces in East Kurdistan". Rojhelat Info. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  18. ^ "Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan Responds to Reza Pahlavi's Threats". Rojhelat Info. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  19. ^ "Iranian opposition tensions grow over new Kurdish alliance". Rudaw. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  20. ^ "Tensions between son of Iran's last shah and Kurdish dissidents show cracks in Iranian opposition". AP News. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
  21. ^ "Partîyên Kurdên Îranê di Biryarên Xwe yên Siyasî û Leşkerî de Yekgirtî ne". Voice of America (in Kurdish). 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  22. ^ Frantzman, Seth J. (2 March 2026). "Kurdish Iranian opposition groups say Iran targeted them in northern Iraq, claim operations in Iran". FDD. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  23. ^ "In Their First Statement, Iranian Kurdish Alliance Signals Readiness for Regime Change". The Amargi. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  24. ^ "Trump Open to Supporting Armed Militias in Iran, U.S. Officials Say". The Wall Street Journal. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  25. ^ "Daily Report: The Second Iran War – March 3, 2026 (19:00)". Alma Research and Education Center. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  26. ^ "CIA working to arm Kurdish forces to spark uprising in Iran, sources say". CNN. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  27. ^ Mukriyan, Rojin (22 February 2026). "Five Iranian Kurdish Parties Form Coalition, Two Others Refrained". the Amargi. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  28. ^ "کۆمەڵەی شۆرشگێر ٥ تێبینییەکەی خۆی لەسەر هاوپەیمانییەکە راگەیاند" [The Revolutionary Association announced its five comments on the coalition] (in Central Kurdish). Rojhelat News. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  29. ^ "Another party joins Iranian Kurdish opposition alliance amid regional conflict". Rudaw. 4 March 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  30. ^ a b c "Five Kurdish factions unite to challenge Iran regime". The Jerusalem Post. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i "A New Cross-Party Platform Formed in Rojhelat". Rojhelat.Info. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  32. ^ "محەمەد نەزیف قادری: ئەو هاوپەیمانییە خواستی خەڵکی کوردستان بوو" [Mohammad Nazif Qaderi: That coalition was the wish of the Kurdish people] (in Central Kurdish). Rojhelat News. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  33. ^ "هاوپەیمانی پێنج لایەنی سیاسی رۆژهەڵاتی کوردستان راگەیاندرا" [Coalition of five political parties in East Kurdistan announced] (in Central Kurdish). Rojhelat News. Retrieved 22 February 2026.