Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani addressed border security during his speech at the Middle East Research Institute forum in Erbil. He criticized Iranian Kurdish opposition groups for their actions during recent regional conflicts. He said their social media activity created the impression that they were preparing military operations against Iran. According to Barzani, these actions exposed the Kurdistan Region to serious security risks.
Barzani reaffirmed that the regional government maintained a policy of neutrality throughout the crisis. Furthermore, senior leaders in Erbil coordinated with officials in Sulaymaniyah to prevent further escalation. Security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan monitored border areas to prevent unauthorized cross-border operations. Together, the two parties focused on securing the shared frontier and maintaining regional stability.
Speaking at the forum, Barzani emphasized that international law prohibits armed groups from using another country’s territory to launch attacks. He also referred to the Iraqi Constitution, which restricts the use of Iraqi territory for attacks against neighboring countries. Barzani stated that no group would be allowed to turn the Kurdistan Region into a base for military operations. Moreover, he stressed that regional authorities would not tolerate actions threatening the security of neighboring states.
Regarding Iran, Barzani noted that Iranian authorities were assessing their political approach to Kurdish communities following the conflict. He said Iranian officials were treating the post-war situation seriously. He also called on regional governments to recognize that denying complex ethnic issues would not resolve them. However, he emphasized that each country must find solutions suited to its domestic circumstances.
Looking ahead, regional stability will depend on continued diplomacy and effective border security. Regional authorities intend to strengthen security measures to prevent unauthorized activities along the frontier. Meanwhile, diplomatic channels between Erbil, Baghdad and Tehran remain important for maintaining security and protecting shared economic interests. Continued dialogue could help reduce tensions and support long-term stability across the Middle East.