Baghdad says its troops are deep in Kurdish area

Iraq said its forces have launched an offensive deep into the heart of Iran's Kurdish highlands, where separatist guerrillas have been fighting against Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's regime. In the short term, the Iraqi drive appeared to help Iran's Kurds in their battle for autonomy; in the long term, analysts believe, Iraq hopes to force Iran to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign Minister Aga Shahi traveled to Iran's southern front to meet President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, in an apparent attempt to mediate the Gulf was and to discuss Afghanistan. The Pars News Agency said last week's Islamic summit asked Mr. Shahi to visit Iran.