Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, has publicly stated that his region wishes to remain neutral in the escalating conflict involving Iran. This situation has seen over a thousand missile and drone strikes impacting the region. Barzani emphasized the desire for peace and dialogue, rejecting claims of external pressures to join the conflict.
KRG’s Stance on Regional Conflict
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Barzani articulated that the KRG does not seek involvement in the warfare instigated partly by the actions of the United States and Israel against Iran. He underscored his administration’s support for Baghdad’s initiatives to regulate weapon possession and ensure that arms remain under government oversight. “No party has pressured us to get involved in the war, and we do not want to be a party to any conflict in the region,” asserted Barzani.
The prime minister highlighted the detrimental effects of the ongoing conflict, citing that more than 1,000 attacks have caused significant damage to the local infrastructure. These strikes have originated not only from Iran but also from militia groups within Iraq. Barzani denounced these actions as “unjustified,” insisting that all disputes should be resolved amicably through constructive dialogue rather than violence.
Iranian Attacks on Kurdish Bases
A notable event in this ongoing violence occurred when the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the al-Harir Air Base, located close to Erbil, with five missiles. The IRGC labeled the base as a hub for the “invading US army.” However, Barzani clarified that the base has not hosted American troops for nearly a decade, ever since the collapse of ISIS in the region. He reiterated that the remaining US forces in Erbil are focused on counter-terrorism efforts, which have repeatedly come under fire from various militia groups.
Further strengthening its position within Iraq, the KRG has pledged support for the Iraqi government’s commitment to consolidate arms distribution, ensuring that only official forces retain access to weaponry. During a parliamentary session in May, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, affirmed the state’s intent to achieve a monopoly on arms, aiming to curtail the power of paramilitary groups, which has surged since the US-led invasion in 2003.
Regional Diplomacy and Relations
In terms of international relations, Barzani stated that the KRG maintains no diplomatic ties with Israel. Instead, it has been strengthening its relationships with neighboring countries, including Syria and Turkey, emphasizing “mutual cooperation.” Recently, KRG President Nechirvan Barzani made headlines with his visit to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a historic first for an Iraqi Kurdish leader since the downfall of Bashar al-Assad.
The geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly for Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, which are now on high alert due to the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran. This situation places their bases at the forefront of the conflict, raising discussions about the potential for Iranian Kurdish fighters to engage in efforts to challenge the Iranian government. Notably, both US President Donald Trump and Israeli officials have floated the idea of arming these groups, suggesting that such support could shift the balance of power within Iran, which has a Kurdish population making up about 10 percent of its demographic.
As tensions continue to escalate, Barzani’s reassurances about the KRG’s neutrality signify an attempt to maintain stability in the region, albeit amid rising pressures from various factions and external influences.