The revolt, initiating in 1943, was eventually put down by the Iraqi assault in late 1945, combined with the defection of a number of Kurdish tribes.

As a result, the Barzanis retreated with much of their forces into Iranian Kurdistan, joining the local Kurdish elements in establishing the Republic of Mahabad.

[2] The ambitious Kurdish leader enlisted a number of Kurdish leaders into the revolt, including his young brother Mustafa Barzani, who became one of the most notable commanders during this revolt.

Following the failure of the Kurdish nation-state in Iran, Mustafa Barzani and his men retreated towards Iraq and eventually found refuge in the Soviet Union, where the Kurds were given sanctuary by the Soviets.

Only in late 1950s, Mustafa Barzani would begin a process of reconciliation with the Iraqi government—which would, however, fail, and the Iraqi–Kurdish conflict would re-erupt into its most violent phase from 1961.