A wave of international and regional condemnation followed a drone attack targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok. The strike came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, prompting leaders to warn of the risks of further escalation and to call for accountability. Iraqi, European, and Arab officials stressed the importance of protecting stability in Iraq and preventing the widening of regional conflict.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the attack during a phone call with President Barzani, reaffirming France’s continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Both leaders emphasized the importance of resolving tensions through diplomatic means and avoiding further violence.
Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described the strike as a serious threat to national security and ordered a joint federal-regional investigation to identify those responsible. Prominent political figures, including Khamis al-Khanjar and Osama al-Nujaifi, condemned the attack, warning that such actions undermine state authority and stability.
United Kingdom
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the strike and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Discussions with President Barzani also highlighted the need for intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
United Arab Emirates
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed solidarity with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, strongly condemning the attack and reiterating support for peace and security in the region.
Jordan
Jordan’s King Abdullah II also condemned the drone strike and voiced support for Iraq’s sovereignty, while offering condolences for Peshmerga fighters killed in recent attacks in Erbil’s Soran district.
Background and significance
The drone strike targeted President Barzani’s private residence in Duhok without causing casualties, but occurred amid a series of drone and missile attacks in the Kurdistan Region. Recent strikes have killed and injured members of the Peshmerga forces, increasing concerns about the spillover of regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The attack highlights the vulnerability of the Kurdistan Region to broader geopolitical tensions and underscores fears that Iraq could become further entangled in regional confrontations despite efforts to remain neutral.
