Iraqi, Kurdish Leaders Stress Neutrality as Regional Tensions Escalate

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enior leaders in Iraq and Northern Kurish region have reaffirmed that their territories will not be used as platforms for conflict against Iran, emphasizing neutrality and regional stability amid escalating tensions following large-scale military strikes by the United States and Israel.

Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), said the autonomous Kurdish region would not participate in ongoing regional conflicts and would instead continue supporting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

According to a statement from the KRG presidency, Barzani made the remarks during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The two officials discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability.

Barzani stated that the KRG “will not be part of the conflicts” and will remain “a factor of peace,” supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions and protecting civilians from the threat of war.

Both sides also highlighted the need to maintain strict border security to prevent destabilizing activities or attempts by third parties to escalate tensions.

Barzani further expressed condolences to Iran over casualties caused by the recent military strikes and reiterated the KRG’s commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Tehran.

Baghdad rejects use of Iraqi territory against Iran

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to threaten Iran.

During a separate phone call with Araghchi, al-Sudani condemned the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and described them as violations of international principles and norms.

According to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the Iraqi leader also expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in the strikes along with several senior Iranian military officials.

Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq “will under no circumstances allow any threat to the Islamic Republic to originate from Iraqi borders.”

Araghchi thanked the Iraqi government, religious authorities and the Iraqi public for their support and solidarity with Iran.

Rising regional tensions

The diplomatic exchanges come as the United States and Israel continue a large-scale military campaign against Iran that began last weekend. Iranian authorities say the strikes have killed at least 926 people, including senior political and military leaders.

In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Araghchi warned during the conversations that the military actions have heightened insecurity across the Middle East and could have global consequences if the conflict continues to escalate.

(Source: Anadolu Agency)