Iraq's Kurdish region says it will stay out of Iran war, says PM Barzani

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Masrour Barzani, the president of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, rejected claims that his administration is under pressure to join the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) remains committed to a policy of neutrality and will not be drawn into any external war, despite a surge of more than 1,000 attacks that have been reported in the border areas over the past months.

The spokesperson highlighted that the KRG is focused on safeguarding its own security and maintaining stability for its citizens, while continuing diplomatic efforts with neighboring states. He reiterated that any decision to engage militarily would be based solely on a direct threat to the region, not on external expectations or pressures. The interview concluded with Barzani urging all parties to pursue de‑escalation and to respect the KRG’s stance of non‑involvement in the broader Iran‑related hostilities.