‘A lot of guns’ Trump confirms secret plot to arm Iranian protesters via Kurdish proxies
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Sunday, April 5, that his administration attempted to support anti-government protesters in Iran by facilitating the transfer of weapons through Kurdish groups.
Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump acknowledged for the first time that such efforts were made during the early phase of the conflict.
“We sent them a lot of guns,” Trump said, adding that he believes the weapons may not have reached their intended recipients. “I think the Kurds took the weapons.”
The remarks follow earlier reporting that US intelligence agencies had explored covert options to influence internal unrest in Iran amid widespread protests and a broader military campaign.
CIA strategy aimed for ‘Popular Uprising’
According to prior reporting, the strategy involved leveraging Kurdish factions operating near the Iraq-Iran border to increase pressure on Iranian security forces.
The objective was to create additional strain on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by opening a secondary front in western Iran.
Officials familiar with the approach said the plan aimed to shift Iranian military focus away from major cities, where protests had intensified. By dispersing security forces, the strategy sought to reduce confrontations in urban centers.
However, analysts had cautioned that Kurdish groups in the region operate with varying degrees of coordination, raising questions about the effectiveness of such an approach.
Hegseth’s ‘Objectives’ vs. Trump’s ‘Guns’
Trump’s comments appear to differ from earlier statements made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said in a March briefing that US objectives were not based on arming specific groups inside Iran.
Hegseth had stated that the focus of US operations remained on targeting military infrastructure, including missile and drone systems.
He also noted that the US was aware of broader regional dynamics but did not confirm involvement in supporting internal armed groups.
Trump’s remarks provide a more direct account of US actions, though officials have not released further details on the scope or authorization of the reported transfers.
Kurds accused of diverting US hardware
Trump said the weapons sent through Kurdish intermediaries may not have reached anti-government protesters. His statement suggests that the transfer process may have encountered disruptions or changes in control during transit.
US officials have not confirmed whether any formal review has been launched into the handling of the equipment. Kurdish groups operating in the region have not publicly responded to the claims.
'Immunity from death' and nuclear concessions
Amidst the tactical chaos, the President revealed that negotiations for a final peace deal have entered a surreal new phase.
Speaking to Yingst, Trump claimed he has granted Iranian negotiators "immunity from death," a specific protection he says was requested by the Tehran delegation.
"The big thing is they're not going to have a nuclear weapon. They're not even negotiating that point, it's so easy," the President added, claiming that Iran has already conceded its nuclear ambitions to avoid further "heavy bombing."
According to Trump, "most of the points are conceded," and there is a "good chance" of a formal deal being reached on Monday, just ahead of the 6:00 PM EST deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
