Trump Weighs Backing Militias to Dislodge Iran’s Regime

President Trump is weighing a risky new phase in the conflict with Iran—one that could involve backing armed opposition groups to help bring down the regime following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal and CNN, U.S. officials say the administration is discussing whether to provide weapons, intelligence, or training to anti-government forces, particularly Kurdish militias positioned along the Iraq–Iran border. The idea, officials say, is to capitalize on Tehran’s weakened leadership after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian officials.

The CIA is reportedly exploring plans to arm Kurdish groups operating near the Iraq–Iran border in hopes they could tie down Iranian security forces and create space for a broader uprising inside the country. Kurdish leaders say their fighters—numbering in the thousands—could soon launch operations in western Iran, potentially with U.S. and Israeli support. President Trump has already spoken with Kurdish leaders and other regional partners as the administration debates what the “day after” might look like in Tehran and whether Kurdish forces could help pressure the Iranian regime from within its own borders.

Still, officials acknowledge there’s no clear successor to Khamenei and little agreement about the political endgame if the regime collapses. According to The Wall Street Journal, dozens of senior Iranian officials have been killed in recent strikes, eliminating several figures once viewed as possible successors. Trump himself acknowledged that uncertainty this week, telling reporters that many of the people the administration once thought could emerge as leaders are now dead.

Some in Washington argue removing the regime would ultimately require forces on the ground, while others warn that arming militias could further destabilize the region and empower groups with competing agendas. Analysts also caution that Kurdish factions are divided and may have their own political goals that don’t necessarily align with Washington’s objectives.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in western Iran have targeted military and police positions near the Iraqi border—moves analysts say could be clearing the way for Kurdish fighters to advance if an uprising begins. But U.S. intelligence assessments also warn the regime could survive Khamenei’s death, and that hardliners within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard could ultimately consolidate power instead of moderates taking control.

For now, Trump says the best outcome would be leadership emerging “from within” Iran.