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.