Iraqi Kurdish General Sirwan Barzani, commander of the Peshmerga forces, has denied any plans to invade Iran, pointing to the escalation of Iranian attacks on their bases, which have resulted in the deaths and injuries of many Kurdish soldiers. Barzani confirmed that his forces have faced approximately 430 drone and missile attacks since the beginning of the American-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, 2026.
In an interview with Middle East Eye, Barzani expressed his discontent with the repeated Iranian attacks, noting that six Peshmerga soldiers were killed and 30 others were injured in an Iranian missile attack. He described these attacks as a form of terrorist aggression, emphasizing that the historical and commercial relations between the Kurds and Iran do not justify such assaults.
Details of the Incident
Barzani clarified that there is no decision from the Iraqi Kurds to support Iranian Kurds in fighting the Iranian regime, stating, "This is not our job; we are here to defend this region of Kurdistan." He rejected Western reports suggesting that Iraqi Kurds are assisting Iranian Kurds in crossing the border. He also mentioned that Iranian intelligence is aware that these reports are inaccurate.
The Iranian attacks on Peshmerga bases continue, targeting some Iranian opposition Kurdish groups. In March 2023, Baghdad and Tehran signed a security agreement to move these groups away from the border, yet the attacks persisted nonetheless.
Background & Context
Historically, the relations between the Kurds and Iran have experienced numerous fluctuations, with periods of cooperation and others of tension. After the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, the power of the Kurds in Iraq increased, making them a key player in the political and security equation in the region. As tensions escalated between Iran and the United States, the Kurds became part of a broader regional conflict.
In recent years, Iranian attacks on the Kurds have increased, especially following the protests in Iran in 2022, during which Tehran accused the Kurds of supporting the demonstrations. The presence of Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq is also a source of concern for Tehran, heightening tensions between the two sides.
Impact & Consequences
These attacks exacerbate the security situation in the region, raising fears of a larger escalation that could lead to armed conflict. The Iranian attacks also affect the relations between the Kurds and Iraq, with Barzani accusing the Iraqi government of failing to protect the Kurds from these assaults.
These events also indicate the increasing influence of Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, which are increasingly attacking the Kurds. Barzani points out that 85-90% of the attacks on Kurdistan come from Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces, threatening stability in Iraq as a whole.
Regional Significance
The repercussions of these events extend beyond Iraqi borders, affecting relations between Iran and neighboring Arab countries. As tensions rise, trade and political relationships between Iran and its neighbors may be impacted, complicating the regional landscape. Continued attacks could also lead to negative consequences for regional security, necessitating international community intervention for mediation.
In conclusion, the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan remains concerning, requiring a swift response from the Iraqi government and the international community to protect the Kurds and ensure regional stability.