Trump and Netanyahu’s Gamble: How a Plan to Destabilize Iran Failed
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly alleged that his administration attempted to arm Iranian opposition groups during widespread protests in January 2026, utilizing Kurdish intermediaries to deliver weapons. The effort, according to Trump, was thwarted when the Kurds allegedly diverted the arms for their own purposes. This revelation, coupled with reports of a broader Israeli effort to destabilize the Iranian regime, raises questions about the extent of covert operations undertaken by the U.S. And Israel and why those efforts ultimately fell short. The unfolding narrative highlights a complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges of regime change operations in the Middle East.
Trump’s claims, made during a Fox News interview on May 5, 2026, detailed a plan to provide weaponry to Iranian protestors through Kurdish groups. “We sent them a lot of guns. We sent them through the Kurds, and I think the Kurds took the guns,” Trump stated, adding, “We sent a tremendous amount of guns to the protesters. And I think the Kurds took the guns.” The Korean Yonhap News Agency reported on these statements, noting Trump’s previous expressions of support for intervention in Iran during the January protests, including suggestions of potential military action and cryptic messages on social media.
The Failed Operation: A Joint US-Israeli Effort?
The alleged U.S. Effort to arm Iranian protestors appears to have been part of a larger, more ambitious operation orchestrated by Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad. According to reporting from Israeli news outlet Ynet, the Israeli government, under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, devised a plan to eliminate Iranian leadership, incite a Kurdish ground invasion of Iran, and fuel street protests in an attempt to overthrow the Iranian government. The Hankyoreh reported on the Ynet findings, detailing the multi-pronged approach aimed at collapsing the Iranian regime from all sides.
The plan reportedly involved targeting key Iranian figures for assassination, hoping to create a power vacuum that would trigger widespread unrest. Simultaneously, the intention was to leverage Kurdish militias to launch a ground invasion into Iran, even as simultaneously bolstering the existing protest movement with external support. However, the operation encountered significant obstacles, ultimately leading to its failure. Despite successfully eliminating some Iranian leaders, the anticipated collapse of the regime did not materialize.
Kurdish Involvement and Turkish Opposition
A key component of the plan hinged on the cooperation of Kurdish forces, specifically the Peshmerga militias operating in Iraq. However, the operation was reportedly derailed by several factors, including opposition from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to Ynet, Erdoğan directly contacted Trump to vehemently oppose a Kurdish incursion into Iran, fearing it would destabilize the region and potentially embolden Kurdish separatist movements within Turkey. The Hankyoreh’s reporting highlights the crucial role Erdoğan played in halting the ground invasion component of the operation.
Trump’s own statements suggest a breakdown in the arms delivery pipeline. His claim that the Kurds “took the guns” implies that the weapons intended for Iranian protestors were either seized by Kurdish forces or diverted for their own use, preventing them from reaching the intended recipients. This raises questions about the vetting process for intermediaries and the reliability of Kurdish groups as partners in such sensitive operations. The British daily The Telegraph speculated that the lack of arms contributed to the waning momentum of the protests, as protestors lacked the means to effectively challenge the Iranian government. Yonhap News Agency reported on this analysis.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Concerns
The failed operation to destabilize Iran has broader geopolitical implications. Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies, further complicated the situation and likely dampened the appetite for further military intervention. The potential for widespread economic disruption caused by a closure of the Strait of Hormuz served as a significant deterrent for the U.S., ultimately contributing to the abandonment of the regime change effort.
The Kurdish groups, who have long sought greater autonomy and even independence, operate across Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. The U.S. And Israel have, at times, considered supporting Kurdish militias as a means of countering Iranian influence in the region. However, as noted by the Fresh York Times, such support has been met with resistance from Iraq and concerns about escalating regional conflicts. Yonhap News Agency referenced these considerations, highlighting the complexities of navigating the region’s intricate political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Former President Trump alleges the U.S. Attempted to arm Iranian protestors via Kurdish intermediaries.
- Israel reportedly orchestrated a broader plan to overthrow the Iranian government, involving assassinations and a Kurdish invasion.
- Turkish opposition and potential arms diversion by Kurdish forces contributed to the operation’s failure.
- The threat of disrupting global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz further deterred intervention.
The revelations surrounding this covert operation underscore the risks and complexities of attempting to engineer regime change in the Middle East. The failed plan to destabilize Iran serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of careful planning, reliable partnerships, and a thorough understanding of the regional dynamics. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as investigations into the operation continue. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued an official statement regarding Trump’s allegations, and further clarification is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Stay informed: For the latest updates on this developing story, follow World Today Journal’s coverage and consult official statements from the U.S. State Department and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.