Deep in the rugged mountains near the Iran-Iraq border, a powerful voice has emerged with a bold message for the Middle East. Peyman Vian, the top commander of the Kurdish PJAK guerrilla forces, has stated that the path to a free Iran may run through cooperation with Israel. In a rare and exclusive interview with Israeli journalist Itai Anghel, the elusive commander broke her silence to propose a united front against the regime in Tehran.
This declaration marks a significant shift in the strategic landscape of the Iranian opposition. It suggests that the enemies of the Islamic Republic are finding common ground in their struggle for liberty. Vian’s comments have sent shockwaves through the region, challenging the narrative that the Iranian people and Israel are natural adversaries.
Meeting the Most Wanted Commander
Reaching Peyman Vian is no simple task. She operates from the hidden bases of the Kurdistan Free Life Party, known by its acronym PJAK. This group is widely considered the most capable and organized guerrilla force currently fighting the Iranian government. To the authorities in Tehran, Vian is a high-value target and one of the most wanted women in the country.
Itai Anghel, a veteran reporter for Israel’s N12 news, traveled through the treacherous terrain of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq to meet her. The journey highlighted the extreme security measures the group must maintain to survive constant drone surveillance and artillery strikes.
The atmosphere in the camp is one of constant vigilance. Fighters live in the shadows of the mountains, training for a war they believe is inevitable. When Vian finally sat down for the interview, she did not mince words about the reality of their situation or her views on the Jewish state.
“The Islamic Republic is the common enemy of both our peoples,” Vian explained during the broadcast. She emphasized that the hostility comes from the regime, not the citizens.
Here is what makes PJAK a unique threat to Tehran:
- Location: They control strategic mountain passes.
- Discipline: Their fighters undergo rigorous ideological and physical training.
- Leadership: The group is led largely by women, countering the patriarchal structure of the Iranian state.
A Shared Enemy in Tehran
The core of Vian’s message focuses on a strategic alliance. For decades, the Iranian regime has positioned itself as the arch-enemy of Israel. However, opposition groups like PJAK argue that this hostility serves only the government’s interests, not the people’s. Vian believes that a coordinated effort could hasten the fall of the current leadership.
She told Anghel that the protests inside Iran are crying out for real change. Her dream is to see these protests expand into a full revolution. In her view, international support is vital. This includes support from nations that have been targeted by Tehran’s proxies.
This statement challenges the long-standing isolation of Iranian opposition groups. It opens the door for intelligence sharing or political support. While she did not detail specific military plans with foreign nations, the implication was clear. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Analysts suggest this interview serves two purposes. First, it boosts the morale of anti-regime protesters who feel abandoned by the West. Second, it sends a warning to Tehran that their internal and external enemies are beginning to talk to each other.
Women Warriors Leading the Charge
A defining feature of the PJAK movement is the prominence of women in its ranks. Vian herself is a testament to this female-led revolution. She noted that Kurdish women have always stood at the forefront of the struggle for freedom in the Middle East.
This dynamic stands in stark contrast to the strict gender laws enforced by the Islamic Republic. The slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” has become the rallying cry for the opposition. Vian asserts that her fighters are the physical embodiment of this slogan. They are not just chanting for rights. They are armed and ready to defend them.
Anghel also spoke with other female fighters in the camp. Their resolve is unshakable. Rovar, a company commander within the group, expressed a fierce determination to return to her homeland.
“When the time comes, and everything is ready, we will attack the bases and the centers of the regime,” Rovar stated.
These women have left their families and former lives behind. They live in harsh conditions, sleeping in caves or makeshift shelters. Yet, their morale appears high. They view their sacrifice as the only way to secure a future for the next generation.
One fighter named Govand summarized their philosophy with chilling clarity. She told the journalist that for some to live in freedom, others must be willing to die. She declared she is ready to sacrifice herself if it brings her people closer to liberation.
Preparing for the Ultimate Battle
The timing of this interview is critical. Tensions in the Middle East are at a boiling point. Iran continues to expand its influence through proxy groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Meanwhile, Israel is engaged in a multi-front conflict to secure its borders.
PJAK views this chaos as an opportunity. As the regime in Tehran becomes distracted by foreign conflicts, its grip on internal security may loosen. The Kurdish fighters are training for this exact moment. They are preparing to descend from the mountains and strike at the heart of the regime’s power structure.
The Guerrilla Strategy
| Tactic | Objective |
|---|---|
| Mountain Raids | Hit border outposts to weaken regime control. |
| Urban Cells | Activate sleeper units inside Iranian cities. |
| Media War | Use interviews to gain international legitimacy. |
| Alliances | Seek partnership with Israel and Western powers. |
The group acknowledges that they cannot defeat a conventional army in a head-on collision. Instead, they rely on asymmetric warfare. They use the terrain to their advantage. They strike quickly and retreat before the regime can respond.
Vian’s call for cooperation with Israel suggests they are looking to upgrade their capabilities. Advanced technology or intelligence from external allies could tip the scales in their favor. It is a high-stakes gamble. Cooperation with Israel carries risks of being labeled “foreign agents” by the regime. However, PJAK seems to believe the potential rewards outweigh the dangers.
The fighters in the mountains are patient. They watch the news from Tehran and Jerusalem closely. They know that the fate of their movement is tied to the broader geopolitical shifts in the region. For now, they sharpen their skills and wait for the order to advance.
The interview between Peyman Vian and Itai Anghel has illuminated a hidden corner of the Middle East conflict. It reveals that the fight for Iran’s future is not just happening in the streets of Tehran. It is being planned in the mountains of Kurdistan. The suggestion of an alliance between Kurdish rebels and Israel adds a volatile new element to an already explosive situation. As the region stands on the brink of change, the world will be watching to see if these words turn into action.
