Iraqi Kurdish leader: KRG will not join regional conflicts

2026-03-05 - 07:32

Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani delivered a clear message of neutrality Wednesday, affirming that the KRG will not participate in the escalating regional conflicts and will instead focus on peace-building efforts. The declaration came during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to an official statement from the KRG presidency. Barzani commits to peace, condolences to Iran During their discussion of regional developments and bilateral relations, Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region "will not be part of the conflicts" and "will continue to be a factor of peace," actively supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and protecting regional populations from the threat of war. The Kurdish leader also extended condolences to Iran over the loss of life in the ongoing US-Israeli strikes, reaffirming the KRG's commitment to maintaining and strengthening friendly relations with Tehran despite the complex regional dynamics. Border security, cooperation discussed The two officials reviewed bilateral ties between Iran and the KRG while examining recent developments and their potential implications for regional stability. Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security along their shared border, agreeing on the need to prevent efforts that could destabilize the region or further escalate tensions. They discussed enhancing cooperation within the framework of the Iran-Iraq security agreement, aimed at safeguarding border security and preventing third parties from exploiting the region to create instability. Araghchi warns of broader consequences Iran's Foreign Minister used the conversation to express concern that the US-Israeli military actions have heightened insecurity across the region and could trigger broader global consequences. The discussion comes as the American-Israeli campaign against Iran, now in its fifth day, has killed at least 926 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli territory and Gulf nations hosting American assets, raising fears of a prolonged conflict that could draw in regional actors. The KRG's declared neutrality positions it as a potential mediator while protecting its own stability amid the widening confrontation.