President Barzani holds talks with French leaders amid rising regional tensions

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday held a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who expressed Paris’ solidarity with Erbil amid ongoing attacks on the Region, the French foreign ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said Barrot expressed Paris’ solidarity with the Region “in the face of attacks carried out by Iran and affiliated armed groups.”

The two top officials also “discussed the ongoing regional escalation and the prospects for resolving the crisis, and agreed to remain closely coordinated.”

The call followed a separate conversation between President Barzani and French President Emmanuel Macron, who earlier in the day discussed “the latest developments in the region,” expressing “concern over rising tensions and stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability,” the Kurdistan Region Presidency said in a statement.

The statement added that the two leaders “highlighted the importance of intensifying international efforts to de-escalate the situation and address the issues through peaceful and diplomatic avenues.”

Amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran, the Kurdistan Region, particularly Erbil, has been targeted by repeated drone and missile attacks in recent days.

Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw said around 100 drones and missiles had been launched, adding that an “advanced” defense system intercepted all incoming projectiles before they reached their intended targets.

The latest engagements come as US and Israeli airstrikes continue across multiple Iranian cities, with tensions posing a continuing threat to the stability of the wider region.

President Barzani holds talks with French leaders amid rising regional tensions

Turkish envoy, PUK leader hold rare talks as ties thaw

French school in Kurdistan Region gains international accreditation

Peshmerga seeks new deal with US-led coalition as unification nears final stages

Related Articles

Turkish envoy, PUK leader hold rare talks as ties thaw

French school in Kurdistan Region gains international accreditation

Peshmerga seeks new deal with US-led coalition as unification nears final stages