Iran Fights on Two Fronts: Strikes Israel Again and Bombs Kurdish Groups in Iraq

Iran is not just defending. Early Thursday morning, Iran launched its 19th round of missile and drone strikes against Israel and US military assets across the Middle East. At the same time, Iran struck Kurdish armed groups in neighboring Iraq. The country is fighting on two fronts at once while absorbing heavy US and Israeli airstrikes at home.

Wave 19: Iran Fires Again at Israel and US Bases

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — known as the IRGC — announced the latest strikes early Thursday. This is the 19th round of Iranian attacks since the war began on Saturday.

Israel's air defenses shot down two drones over the western Galilee region of northern Israel, according to Israel's Channel 12. Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted at least three Iranian drones. The US military helped defend Gulf bases.

Iran said the attacks targeted US and Israeli military assets. It did not give details on what was hit or damaged.

Iran Also Bombs Kurdish Groups in Iraq

While striking Israel, Iran also launched attacks on Kurdish armed groups operating in northern Iraq. Iran calls these groups "anti-Iran separatist forces." The groups are based near the Iran-Iraq border.

Iran's intelligence ministry said the Kurdish fighters had tried to enter through Iran's western borders. It claimed they suffered "heavy losses." Iran said it is working with what it called "noble Kurds" — meaning Kurdish people it considers loyal — to stop what it describes as an Israeli-American plan to attack Iran from within.

Local media in Iraq reported at least four explosions in the Sulaimaniyah province of northern Iraq. The blasts appeared to hit the headquarters of Komala — an Iranian Kurdish armed group.

Why does this matter? Reuters reported earlier this week that Iranian Kurdish groups based on the Iran-Iraq border have been training to attack Iran's security forces. They were reportedly in talks with the US about possible support. Iran appears to be striking first to stop that from happening.

Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government denied any involvement. Its president, Nechirvan Barzani, said the Kurdish region "must not become part of any conflict or military escalation." The regional government said it had "no part" in any effort to expand the war.

Qatar Evacuates Homes Near US Embassy in Doha

Qatar ordered the evacuation of homes near the US Embassy in Doha on Thursday morning. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base — the largest US air base in the Middle East. Iran has previously struck Gulf military installations in this conflict.

No explosions were reported in Qatar at the time of this update. The evacuation order appears to be a precaution.

Canada: "We Cannot Rule Out" Joining the War

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada cannot completely rule out sending its military into the war. He was speaking alongside Australia's Prime Minister in Canberra.

Carney said: "One can never categorically rule out participation." He added: "We will stand by our allies."

But Carney has also criticized the war. He said Canada was not told about the US-Israeli attack in advance. He said the strikes appear "inconsistent with international law." He called for all sides to follow the rules of war and for civilian lives to be protected.

Canada is also trying to help more than 2,000 Canadian citizens get out of the Middle East. About half are in the United Arab Emirates. Others are in Qatar, Lebanon, Israel, and Iran. Commercial flights across much of the region have been shut down since the war began.

Other Developments This Morning

Hezbollah: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem pledged Thursday that his group will keep fighting Israel. Israel has been bombing Lebanon — separate from the main war against Iran. Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed armed group based in Lebanon.

Russia and China stay out: Al Jazeera reports that both Russia and China have condemned the US-Israeli attacks but are not offering military help to Iran. Neither country appears likely to join the fighting.

Iran's leadership question: Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in the first wave of strikes on February 28. His funeral has still not been held — ongoing bombings make large gatherings dangerous. Iranian media are now discussing who might replace him, with former President Hassan Rouhani's name being mentioned.

Spain denies US claims: The White House said Spain agreed to help the US with military operations. Spain's government denied this. Spain says it opposes the war and was not consulted. The dispute is straining relations within NATO.

By the Numbers — Day 6

• 💀 1,045+ killed in Iran since Feb. 28 (Tasnim news agency / Iran)
• 🚀 19 waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and US assets
• 🛡️ Israel intercepted 2 drones over Galilee — Saudi Arabia intercepted 3 drones
• 💣 Iran struck Kurdish armed groups in northern Iraq — at least 4 explosions reported
• 🇨🇦 Canada cannot rule out military participation
• 🇶🇦 Qatar evacuates homes near US Embassy in Doha
• 🇺🇸 6 US soldiers killed in Kuwait — all now named