Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, has stated that the semi-autonomous region does not wish to be drawn into the current regional conflict initiated by the United States and Israel's war on Iran. He also expressed support for Baghdad's efforts to consolidate weapons under state control.

Barzani's remarks come as the KRG's infrastructure has reportedly suffered significant damage, with over 1,000 missile and drone attacks since the war commenced on February 28. These attacks have originated either directly from Iran or from within Iraq by militias, according to the Prime Minister.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that no external party has exerted pressure on the KRG to participate in the war. He described the attacks on the region as "unjustified" and advocated for peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue. He noted that a recent IRGC missile strike targeted the al-Harir Air Base, which Iran claimed was a base for US forces. Barzani clarified that the base had not hosted US troops for nearly a decade and that any US personnel present were focused on counter-terrorism efforts.

The KRG's stance on neutrality aligns with broader Iraqi government objectives. Prime Minister Ali a-Zaidi of Iraq has previously outlined plans to establish state monopoly on arms, a move aimed at reining in powerful paramilitary groups that have emerged since the 2003 US-led invasion. A deadline of September 30 has been set for these factions to disarm and transfer their weapons to state authorities.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Barzani disclosed that the KRG maintains no official ties with Israel. Instead, the region is strengthening its relationships with Syria and Turkiye through "mutual cooperation." This development is underscored by a recent meeting between KRG President Nechirvan Barzani and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by an Iraqi Kurdish leader to Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in late 2024.

The geopolitical situation has placed Iranian Kurdish opposition parties operating within Iraq on high alert. Their bases, located in Iraq's Kurdish region and within Iran, have become increasingly vulnerable, potentially drawing them into the front lines of the escalating conflict.

Barzani's statements highlight the KRG's delicate position, seeking to protect its autonomy and stability while navigating the complex and volatile regional security landscape. The region's commitment to neutrality is a key element of its foreign policy amidst ongoing international and regional hostilities.

The KRG's focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries like Syria and Turkiye, while adhering to Baghdad's directive on arms control, signals a strategic effort to secure its borders and foster regional stability on its own terms, independent of the broader war.