The Islamic State (IS) campaigns in the Kurdish areas of Iraq and Syria have also agitated the Kurds of Iran. Many of those living close to the borders are worried about their family members on the other side, and a general sense of solidarity has formed among the Kurds.

In Iraq, members of the Kurdish parties opposing the Iranian government have expressed readiness to fight alongside the peshmerga forces against IS. More than 150 peshmerga fighters of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan have been stationed in Kirkuk to face IS. Fighters from the Democratic Party have also been spotted in Makhmur.

Forces of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Democratic Union, who are mostly in control of the Kurdish areas of Syria, have also engaged IS in the Shangal Mountains and the city of Kobani. Forces based in the Kandil Mountains, a center of the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), have also moved to the front line to protect Kurdish citizens against IS attacks.

The Iranian government is opposed to the idea of Kurdish opposition parties joining the Kurdistan government. Engagement between these forces and IS will strengthen the opposition's position and increase their attraction for the Kurdish youth of Iran.