Trump Claims US Supplied Guns to Iranian Protesters via Kurds Earlier This Year

President Trump claimed during a Fox News interview that the United States provided guns to Iranian protesters earlier this year. The delivery occurred through Kurdish groups, according to Trump. He expressed the view that the Kurds kept the weapons instead of passing them on.

Trump's statements were shared on social media by accounts @DeItaone and @MarioNawfal, both attributing the comments directly to the interview.

The claims refer to events earlier in 2024, though no specific date was provided in the reports. Iranian protests have occurred periodically, including those related to women's rights and economic issues following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. No independent verification of the gun shipments appears in the available sources.

Trump's interview took place on Fox News, a network where he has frequently appeared since leaving office in 2021. The discussion focused on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and regional allies like the Kurds. Kurds, an ethnic group spanning parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, have received U.S. support in various conflicts, including against ISIS.

The allegation of arms transfers raises questions about U.S. involvement in Iranian internal affairs. Under international law, such actions could violate arms embargoes or non-interference principles. The U.S. has maintained sanctions on Iran since 1979, with additional measures imposed during Trump's presidency from 2017 to 2021.

No official U.S. government statements confirm or deny the reported shipments in the sources. Kurdish representatives have not commented on the claims as per the available reports. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including proxy conflicts in the Middle East.

Trump's assertion highlights potential complexities in U.S. alliances with Kurdish forces. The Kurds have been key partners in U.S. operations in Iraq and Syria but have faced accusations of retaining equipment in past instances. Further details from the full interview context remain unreported in the sources.