France Reaffirms Support for Kurdistan After Drone Attack on President Nechirvan Barzani’s Residence

Yekiti Media

French President Emmanuel Macron expresses solidarity over the attack on President Barzani’s residence and condolences for the recent Peshmerga strike that killed six fighters

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, on Saturday held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron following a drone attack targeting Barzani’s residence in Duhok Governorate.

During the call, President Macron strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed France’s ongoing support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, according to a statement published by the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

He also expressed solidarity with the families of Peshmerga fighters who were “martyred” on March 24 during an Iranian missile attack in Soran, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

President Barzani, in turn, thanked Macron for France’s continuous backing and support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in ensuring regional stability.

The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the ongoing conflict and agreed on the urgency of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and bring an end to hostilities.

Their discussion highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to security, stability, and dialogue in the region.

The development comes amid heightened regional tensions and a series of drone and missile attacks that have raised concerns over security and the risk of further escalation across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday strongly condemned the drone attack targeting the residence of Kurdistan President Barzani in Duhok, describing the incident as a “cowardly” act and part of ongoing security threats facing the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister denounced the attack and called on the federal government in Iraq to fulfill its responsibilities by bringing those responsible to justice and ending what he described as continued terrorist actions by armed groups.

“We strongly condemn and denounce the cowardly drone attack,” Barzani said, urging Baghdad to take decisive steps against those behind the incident.

He also called on the international community and allied partners to support the Kurdistan Region in safeguarding its citizens and protecting its interests amid rising threats.

Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region reserves the right to respond, stating that authorities will take all necessary measures to confront those responsible and ensure security.

“We reserve every right to confront these terrorists, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Kurdistan Region,” said Barzani.

The attack on the residence of President Barzani has drawn notable regional and international reactions, including a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and President Barzani, during which Macron strongly condemned the strike as unacceptable and expressed solidarity with the Kurdistan Region.

Macron also conveyed condolences over the recent killing of Peshmerga fighters and reaffirmed France’s continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sovereignty and preventing further regional escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday condemned the drone attack targeting the residence of the Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, describing the incident as a “terrorist act” and warning of broader efforts to destabilize the region.

In a statement, the Iranian foreign minister strongly denounced the strike on Barzani’s home in Duhok and expressed his wishes for the president’s health and safety.

Araghchi also suggested that the attack could be linked to operations by the United States and Israel, alleging that such actions aim to undermine relations and create tensions between countries in the region.

He reiterated that Iran rejects any attacks that threaten stability or target national figures in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, describing such incidents as part of broader attempts to destabilize the Middle East.

A further diplomatic reaction came from Türkiye, as its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, held a phone call with Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday evening. During the conversation, Fidan strongly condemned the drone strike on Barzani’s residence in Duhok and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the security and stability of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

President Barzani expressed his gratitude for Türkiye’s position, and both leaders emphasized the need for continued coordination and cooperation to safeguard regional stability amid escalating tensions.