US officials have claimed that Iraqi Kurdish fighters have launched a ground operation against Iran, with approximately 1,000 militants reportedly crossing the border and thousands more attempting to enter Iranian territory.

According to US officials, the operation is focused on Iranian border regions, but actions could widen in the coming days.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, claimed that the US military is not involved in supplying weapons to the Kurdish fighters.

Speaking to the media, the Pentagon chief acknowledged that other parts of the US government could be involved in arming Kurdish fighters.

Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson denied reports of US ground troop deployments in Iran, stating that no such decision has been made.

The spokesperson added that air superiority over Iranian territory is expected to be achieved within the next few hours.

British media reports indicate that the US and Israel have been arming Kurdish militias over the past year.

Weapons were reportedly dropped for the Kurdish fighters by four to seven helicopters operating in the desert areas around Najaf.

In contrast, Iran’s official news agency has dismissed reports of Kurdish fighters entering the country, denying that any cross-border movement has occurred in the three border provinces.