President Barzani at Tehran Forum: Baghdad Summit marks Iraq's comeback
Speaking at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, Barzani argued that Iraq is reclaiming a strategic role in shaping regional dynamics amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. 'Iraq is once again a vital actor, capable of steering the region during this period of uncertainty.'
While crediting the summit with presenting Iraq as a state committed to diplomacy, cooperation, and regional integration, Barzani expressed confidence in the country's direction, highlighting stronger regional ties and a more open political environment as foundations for continued growth.
Barzani, however, warned that the country remains in a fragile transition, cautioning, 'Decades of war are behind us, but lasting stability requires careful and responsible governance.'
Addressing internal disputes, Barzani pressed the federal government to fully implement the Iraqi constitution and uphold the principles of federalism. 'The core issue lies in Baghdad's failure to apply the federal system as intended,' he asserted, calling for a legal and lasting resolution to all outstanding differences.
On relations with Tehran, the Kurdish President reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region's longstanding partnership with Iran, noting that nearly 60% of land trade between the two countries passes through Kurdish territory.
'Our relationship with Iran is rooted in history and shaped by shared economic, cultural, and strategic interests.'
He recalled Iran's support during critical moments, including its condemnation of Saddam Hussein's chemical attack on Halabja and its rapid military response to the ISIS threat in 2014, specifically recognizing the role of the late General Qassem Soleimani, who arrived in Erbil at the outset of the crisis. 'Iran was the first to step in.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rudaw Net
7 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Iran says 75 escaped from notorious Tehran prison after Israeli attack
Also in Iran Trump ready to strike Iran as Tehran invites US for talks Iran announces nuclear talks with E3 in Istanbul Kurdish armed group blames Iran for deadly Sulaimani drone attack Iran says agreed to a new round of nuclear talks with E3 A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran's judiciary on Tuesday said that 75 inmates escaped from the notorious Evin prison in Tehran following a deadly Israeli strike during the war between the arch-rivals, with 27 escapees remaining at large. An Israeli strike on the Evin prison complex during the 12-day war killed 79 people and destroyed a part of the prison's administrative building. The strike came as part of a bombardment campaign by Israel on Iranian soil that began on June 13 and triggered mass retaliation from the Islamic republic. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said that 75 prisoners escaped the facility in the aftermath of the strike, with 48 later returning or being captured by authorities, with efforts to re-arrest the remaining escapees ongoing. The victims of the June 23 strike included 'administrative staff, conscripts, prisoners, families of prisoners who had come to visit or follow up on legal cases, and nearby residents,' according to Jahangir. Israel struck the prison facility following Iran's execution of a man accused of spying for Israel, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating at the time that the attack on Evin was intended to deter Iran's executions. On Tuesday, Amnesty International called for a war crimes probe into Israel's strike on the prison, labeling the attack 'deliberate' and 'a serious violation of international humanitarian law.' Established in 1972, Evin Prison in northwestern Tehran has long been a symbol of political repression in Iran. The facility is known for holding political prisoners, journalists, student activists, and foreign nationals. It has been widely condemned by human rights organizations for systematic abuse, including alleged torture and the use of dual nationals as leverage in international negotiations. During the 12-day war, the head of Iran's judiciary said that suspects accused of collaborating with Israel in its war will face expedited trials and be given no leniency. Iran has released several confessions of people accused of cooperating with or spying for Israel. Such confessions are widely believed to be coerced, often obtained through threats, psychological pressure, and, in some cases, physical torture.
Shafaq News
10 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's top court rejects lawsuits challenging halabja province and maritime decisions
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Federal Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed four high-profile lawsuits, including challenges to the formal establishment of Halabja as a province and to a government decision regarding the country's maritime boundaries. Halabja Lawsuits Dismissed Two of the lawsuits challenged the legal basis for Iraq's 2025 recognition of Halabja as the country's nineteenth province. One case, filed by five lawmakers—including members of the parliamentary legal committee—alleged that the April 14 vote in Parliament to approve Halabja's status lacked a constitutional quorum. The court rejected the claim, affirming that the legislative procedures met constitutional requirements. Under Article 59 of Iraq's Constitution, a parliamentary session is valid if an absolute majority of lawmakers is present. A separate case, filed by MP Amir al-Mamouri, contested Presidential Decree No. 19, issued on April 29, 2025, which formally established Halabja as a province following parliamentary approval. This challenge was also rejected. Halabja, long the subject of local demands for administrative autonomy, gained symbolic importance after the 1988 chemical attack that killed thousands of civilians. The court's decisions now legally consolidate Halabja's provincial status within Iraq's federal framework. Court Upholds Government's Maritime Map The court also ruled against two separate lawsuits filed by MPs Saud al-Saadi and Amir al-Mamouri that sought to annul Cabinet Decision No. 266 of 2025, which approved Iraq's updated maritime map for submission to the United Nations. The plaintiffs argued the decision threatened Iraqi sovereignty, and one of the lawsuits requested a temporary injunction ('wilaya order') to suspend the implementation. The court declined to issue the injunction, finding no sufficient legal basis to halt the government's move. Maritime border demarcation is a sensitive issue for Iraq, which has only a limited coastline along the Persian Gulf. The maps in question define Iraq's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, with implications for navigation rights, resource exploration, and regional diplomacy.
Rudaw Net
37 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Rojava calls for urgent national dialogue as tensions continue in the south
Also in Syria Sunni fighters threaten to 'burn' Suwayda despite ceasefire Secretary Rubio warns Damascus over Suwayda violence as tribal forces withdraw 'They're erasing our identity': Suwayda native in Erbil pleads for end to violence Clashes continue in Suwayda, death toll passes 900: Watchdog A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which rules northeast Syria (Rojava), on Tuesday issued an urgent call for an inclusive national dialogue involving all democratic national actors, while also urging an investigation into the recent clashes between Druze militants and Sunni fighters. A fragile ceasefire seems to be holding. 'We urgently call for the launch of an inclusive national dialogue. This dialogue should culminate in a broad-based national conference that brings together all democratic national actors. The goal must be to shape a new Syrian political project grounded in transitional justice,' the SDC said in a statement. The SDC is the political wing of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto army of Rojava. The statement highlighted the importance of inclusive national dialogue, aiming to bring an 'end to authoritarianism,' and emphasized the need to establish a democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic system in Syria that will 'guarantee genuine participation for all segments of Syrian society without exception.' It further called for an independent and transparent investigation into the recent clashes in the southern province of Suwayda. The fighting erupted between the Druze and Bedouin tribes on July 13, leading to a regional crisis as Israel intervened in support of the Druze - hitting several targets - including Syrian state forces and an airstrike on the building of the defence ministry in Damascus. Syrian state forces were accused of siding with the tribal fighters. The ceasefire between Israel and Syria - brokered by Washington - was announced Saturday by the US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack. Several clashes between the Druze and Bedouin fighters were reported hours later but the truce currently seems to be holding. The Druze are in control of the province while the state forces are guarding the entrance of the province to prevent Sunni fighters from entering it in a bid to avoid further tensions. Bedouin families who were stuck in the province were escorted out on Monday. The recent clashes have killed at least 1,265 people, according to the SOHR. 'It is essential to ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable. This must be done without discrimination or bias,' the SDC said. It criticized the recent clashes as 'a direct manifestation of the broader collapse of the political and institutional structures,' amid affirming it as a threat to Syria's territorial integrity. Three ceasefires between Damascus and the Druze fighters have failed since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. 'We warn of the grave danger of being drawn into internal conflicts driven by sectarian, regional, or communal divisions,' the SDC said. Kurds in Rojava, like other minorities in Syria, remain concerned about the centralization of power and reliance on Islamic jurisprudence in the transitional constitution that has been adopted by the interim government in Damascus. While Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity,' he continues to face domestic and international criticism over his perceived marginalization of minority communities.
