The United States' Policy and Position toward the Kurdish Question in Iran (1960–1963): A Historical and Documentary Study

This study focuses specifically on the period 1960–1963, which represents a significant stage in the history of the Kurdish national movement in Iran. This period marked the beginning of U.S. support for the Kurdish cause in the region, as well as the efforts of the Kurdish national movement in Iran to secure such support. For the first time, the United States adopted a clearly identifiable policy and position toward the Kurdish issue in Iran. Therefore, this period was selected to conduct a historical investigation into the development of the Kurdish question in Iran and to examine the nature of the U.S. assessment of the Kurdish national movement. The primary objective of this study is to identify the policies and positions of regional states, particularly Iran, toward the Kurdish question. It also analyzes the policies and assessments of the U.S. Department of State, the role of major powers—especially the Soviet Union—and the influence of U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), regarding the Kurdish issue in Iran. To achieve these objectives, the study addresses several key questions, including: To what extent was the Kurdish national movement able to obtain U.S. support for its cause? How successful was the Kurdish leadership in its diplomatic efforts? Did the Kurdish question constitute a threat to U.S. strategic interests? How did Iran's political situation influence the Kurdish issue? Finally, what role did the Soviet Union play in the Kurdish question in Iran?