President Barzani, Iraqi PM Sudani reject targeting of Iraq's territory amid regional war

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region discussed regional developments on Friday in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, amid ongoing regional tensions in the wake of a coordinated US-Israeli attack on neighboring Iran, according to a statement from Sudani's media office.

"They affirmed their rejection of the attacks targeting several Iraqi cities, including those in the Kurdistan Region," read the statement, adding both sides "stressed that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launching pad for attacks against neighboring countries."

Sudani and President Barzani also "expressed support for all steps aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region."

"Both sides emphasized the need to confront current challenges by unifying the positions and rhetoric of national forces to preserve the country's stability and sovereignty, and to enhance national security," the statement added.

The United States and Israel launched an extensive aerial campaign against Iran on Saturday, killing many of the country’s leaders and commanders, including long-time Spiritual Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial strikes.

In its retaliatory response, Iran has targeted US bases and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, including in the Kurdistan Region, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Some regional countries, such as Turkey, have so far been spared.

Drone attacks by Iran-affiliated armed groups targeting US bases in the Kurdistan Region have escalated over the past 24 hours despite tightened security measures by Iraqi forces. The attacks have struck multiple provinces, causing casualties and material damage.

The Kurdistan Region has also reaffirmed that it will not side with any party in the US-Israel war against Iran and will not allow any group to use its territory as a launchpad for attacks on neighboring countries.

In the meantime, a large number of positions, and bases belonging to Iran-backed militia groups operating inside Iraq have come under drone attacks.