Iraq should not pose threat to Gulf states, President of Kurdistan region says

Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani has cautioned that Iraq should not pose a threat to Gulf states as the country enters a new phase following the US-led coalition's withdrawal of forces. Speaking at the Middle East Research Institute Forum in Erbil, Barzani emphasized that weapons must be held by the Iraqi government and stressed that Iraq must not threaten any neighboring nations, asserting this is a matter of sovereignty.

He argued that Iraq needs to bolster its capacity to safeguard its own security and take full responsibility for its defense. This sentiment arises as Iraq grapples with the challenge of bringing armed factions under state control in the wake of attacks by Iran-aligned groups on various targets in Iraq and the wider region. The US-led coalition officially withdrew from Iraq on September 30, and security cooperation between Baghdad and Washington is now transitioning towards a bilateral framework.

Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi marked October 1 as the day of full Iraqi sovereignty, stating that the critical task of managing weapons not under state control has begun. Barzani acknowledged the United States' contributions but emphasized that Iraq should now foster bilateral security partnerships with partner states. He also noted that the Kurdistan region still requires air defense systems to protect itself against repeated drone and missile attacks.

The Kurdistan President further highlighted the regional context, noting that the evolving Middle East situation presents both opportunities and threats for the Kurds, but he believed the opportunities could outweigh the risks. The most significant threat to Iraq, according to Barzani, is economic instability, particularly the country's dependence on oil exports.

He cautioned that if the Strait of Hormuz issue remains unresolved, it could become a long-term challenge given the substantial share of the world's oil supply passes through this vital waterway, which Iran has effectively blocked since the war began. The Kurdistan President also warned of challenges Iraq and the Kurdistan region face in maintaining stable relations with neighboring countries amidst shifting regional dynamics.

Barzani expressed particular criticism toward Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, citing their irresponsible behavior during the war, which he feels has placed the Kurdistan region in an embarrassing situation. He reiterated that the Kurdistan region was never involved in the conflict and rejected the notion of allowing Iranian Kurdish opposition fighters to cross into Iran, stressing that it was not their war.