ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani on Wednesday praised a recent meeting between Iranian and US officials in New York, saying a lasting agreement between the two hostile countries would be a “mutual triumph.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, with Araghchi conveying Tehran’s conditions for easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. “Both the Iranian and American delegations have shown the world what true champions look like, rising to the occasion with wisdom, pragmatism, and undeniable bravery,” Talabani said in a post on X. The Kurdistan Region has declared neutrality in the US-Iran war multiple times, but it has frequently come under attack by Iran and its affiliated armed groups in Iraq. Peaceful resolution would be a boon for Kurdistan Region's security. “A lasting agreement between the United States and Iran is not a compromise of strength, but a mutual triumph. Both nations hold the key to each other’s success in this moment,” he added. Talabani has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict and opposed the Kurdistan Region becoming involved in the war. During a September 15 visit to Tehran, he also called for peaceful solutions and continued dialogue. Following the six-week-long war between the US and Iran that broke out in late February, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in Pakistan in June, but fighting and tensions later resumed, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a central point of dispute. Iran says reopening the waterway requires the lifting of the US naval blockade, release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the war. Tensions have increased, and the US President in his Tuesday address reiterated that he was on the cusp of deciding whether to "annihilate" Iran or reach an agreement. “Neither side needs to walk away as a victor over the other; rather, both can walk away as partners in a historic victory for global security,” said Talabani. “For our region, the ripple effects of this moment cannot be overstated. A successful path forward between Washington and Tehran offers the Middle East a genuine foundation for lasting peace, stability, and shared economic prosperity for all our peoples,” said Talabani of a possible agreement. RELATED: Iran says ready for all scenarios, warns war could expand if US strikes resume
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
