the region as a route into Iran, according to Iran’s state-aligned Fars news agency.

Fars reported that Iran’s defence council said that if such crossings occur, “all Kurdistan Region facilities will be targeted.”

The same report said Iran claims that, so far, it has targeted only “bases” linked to the US, Israel and Kurdish “separatist” groups in the region.

Fars also quoted Iranian officials warning that any Iranian support previously provided to the Kurdistan region — including during the fight against ISIS — would be halted.