President Barzani, French diplomat urge de-escalation amid Israel-Iran conflict

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met on Monday with French Consul General Yann Braem in Erbil to discuss the rising tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need to end hostilities and prevent further regional escalation.

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the two officials exchanged views on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, “exploring the potential implications of [Israel-Iran] conflict for the region and global peace and stability, while emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation.”

President Barzani and Consul General Braem agreed on the "significance of initiatives aimed at de-escalating the situation," and underlined the mutual position of France and the Kurdistan Region in opposing the expansion of regional tensions.

“Conflicts should be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic channels,” they emphasized.

Tensions in the region have surged following Israel's June 13 airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which killed several senior military commanders and provoked retaliatory attacks from Tehran. In response, Iran launched several waves of missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets.

In a significant escalation, the United States carried out airstrikes on Sunday targeting Iran’s three main nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Importantly, the Kurdistan Region has also been affected by the fallout.

Kurdish counterterrorism forces reported intercepting two explosive-laden drones near a village northwest of Erbil on Sunday.

A day earlier, a drone crashed in Nineveh province’s Makhmour district, and a fire broke out in Sulaimani province, reportedly caused by drone or missile debris. Although the origin of the drones remains unconfirmed, they are believed to be linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.

During Monday’s meeting, the French Consul General outlined France’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including those led by President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at “promoting peace and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means.”

Braem “also highlighted France’s role within the European troika [E3 – France, Germany and the United Kingdom] in working to de-escalate tensions and encourage the parties to engage in dialogue and pursue diplomatic solutions.”

France, as a member of the E3 and a key player in the European Union's foreign policy, has consistently advocated for a negotiated solution to the Israel-Iran crisis, with a particular focus on Iran’s nuclear program.