ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday spoke with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss averting regional dangers and de-escalating tensions.

The conversation comes as the UAE and the Kurdistan Region have been targeted by Iranian projectiles in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that began on Saturday.

In a statement, Barzani’s office said the two leaders “discussed the general situation in the region, specifically the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region,” adding that the talks also addressed “the latest conflicts and tensions of the past few days.”

“Both sides expressed deep concern regarding the attacks and the escalation of war and tensions,” the statement said. Barzani emphasized the need for dialogue and regional cooperation “to protect the peace, security, and stability of the region, de-escalate tensions, and avert threats and dangers.”

The Kurdistan Region has faced repeated attacks in Erbil, including near the US Consulate and Erbil International Airport. A hill in Sulaimani, commonly known as “UN Hill,” was also struck. Some of the attacks on Erbil have been claimed by a pro-Iran armed group, while others targeted bases belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.

In a Wednesday attack, one Peshmerga fighter from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), an Iranian Kurdish opposition group, was killed.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday that nearly 2,000 targets in Iran have been struck in less than 100 hours during Operation Epic Fury.

Iran’s retaliation has also affected several other regional countries.