In Iraqi Kurdistan, thousands of exiled Iranian Kurds are watching the war in Iranclosely, hoping it could weaken the Tehran regime and allow them to return home.

Several opposition groups are based near the border and have been targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes, even after a ceasefire with the US.

Civilians in Kurdish towns report displacement, fear and economic hardship as attacks damage homes, disrupt work and drive down sales. The conflict is forcing Iraqi Kurdistan to balance local stability with regional pressure.