Iraqi Kurdish leader says Kurdistan Regional Government will not be part of regional conflicts

ISTANBUL

The president of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said Wednesday that the region will not be part of ongoing regional conflicts and will continue supporting diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, according to an official statement.

Nechirvan Barzani made the remarks during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations, the KRG presidency said.

The two officials reviewed ties between Iran and the KRG and discussed recent developments in the region and their potential implications. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability.

Barzani said that the KRG “will not be part of the conflicts” and "will continue to be a factor of peace," supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions and protecting people in the region from the threat of war.

They also stressed the importance of maintaining border security to prevent efforts that could destabilize the region or further escalate tensions.

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the phone call also addressed regional developments and the consequences of military attacks by the US and Israel against Iran.

Barzani also expressed condolences to Iran over the loss of lives in the attacks and reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening friendly relations with Tehran, the ministry said.

Araghchi said the military actions had heightened insecurity across the region and could have broader global consequences.

The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation between Iran and the KRG, including within the framework of the Iran-Iraq security cooperation agreement, with the aim of safeguarding border security and preventing third parties from exploiting the region to create instability.

Israel and the US have continued a large-scale attack on Iran since Saturday, killing at least 926 people, including Khamenei and top military officials.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.