
Kurdistan Region, US reaffirm joint fight against ISIS
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Maj. Gen. Kevin Leahy, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, to discuss counterterrorism cooperation.
According to a statement by the Kurdish Presidency, the meeting, held in Erbil and attended by the US Consul General, focused on the evolving security dynamics in Iraq and Syria, as well as the continued threat posed by ISIS to regional stability.
Both sides stressed the importance of sustained coordination between the Kurdistan Region, the US-led Global Coalition forces, and the Iraqi government to counter terrorism and boost the capacity of security forces.
The US and Kurdistan Region have shared a close partnership for over 30 years, focused on security and counterterrorism. Kurdish Peshmerga forces, with the coalition's assistance, have played a pivotal role in reclaiming territory and dismantling ISIS networks. Their cooperation has also supported institutional reforms to professionalize the Peshmerga and improve integration within Iraq's defense system.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Iraqi News
3 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Iraq launches program to increase oil and gas reserves
Baghdad ( – Iraq's attempts to optimize its oil and gas reserves continue with a new program aimed at drilling 15 exploratory wells, which would raise state earnings and assist the country's budget and economy. The Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, attended a ceremony held on Sunday to sign the first contract marking the launch of a new program by digging the first exploratory well, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA). Abdul-Ghani stressed his ministry's dedication to increasing oil and gas reserves and enhancing the country's standing among oil-producing countries. The new initiative is expected to boost Iraq's oil and gas reserves through more exploration in locations with potential volumes and reserves, according to Abdul-Ghani. The deal was signed by Iraqi Drilling Company (IDC), Oil Exploration Company (OEC), and North Oil Company (NOC). Iraq's efforts to optimize its oil and gas reserves coincide with the government's increased use of crude oil to generate power in the country amid limited Iranian gas supplies. Oil consumption for electricity generation in Iraq is expected to reach record levels in the coming months as part of attempts to avoid periodic power disruptions throughout the summer. Domestic demand for oil is predicted to increase by roughly 150,000 barrels per day between April and August 2025, boosting power output.


Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Coordination Framework addresses KRG Row, election preparations
Shafaq News/ On Monday, the Coordination Framework (CF) convened at the office of Wisdom Movement (Tayyar Al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim to review political and service developments, alongside preparations for the upcoming elections. According to a statement, the meeting began by addressing rising tensions between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. The Region accused the federal government of discrimination in salary payments, citing repeated delays despite prior agreements. Baghdad, in turn, attributed the delays to the Regional administration's failure to transfer oil and non-oil revenues as mandated by the Federal Budget Law. Participants also stressed the urgent need for parliament to pass the oil and gas Law, describing the legislation as a key step toward resolving long-standing disputes over resource management and revenue sharing that have persisted since the adoption of the 2005 Iraqi constitution. Reaffirming the federal government's commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles hindering progress on these national issues. Turning to elections, the CF called for polls to be held on schedule, urging citizens to update their biometric data and participate fully. It also warned against attempts to influence voters through financial means, underscoring the importance of a transparent and fair electoral process. Earlier this year, the Iraqi cabinet approved November 11, 2025, as the date for the parliamentary vote. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) estimated that around 30 million Iraqis will be eligible to cast their ballots.


Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US offers Iran limited uranium enrichment
Shafaq News/ The United States proposed allowing Iran limited low-level uranium enrichment on its soil, Axios reported on Monday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The proposal, submitted on Saturday, does not call for the full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear facilities. Instead, it permits Tehran to maintain a 3% enrichment capability under international oversight, with key terms — including the duration — still subject to negotiation. The sources described the offer as a departure from earlier US positions, viewing it as an indication of flexibility from President Donald Trump. It also contrasts with prior public statements by senior US officials, including White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have repeatedly stated that Washington would not accept any enrichment activity within Iran, pressing for a complete dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure. The White House did not deny any of the reported details when contacted by Axios. The proposal is expected to raise tensions between Washington and Israel. The Israeli government has long opposed any arrangement that allows Iran to retain elements of its nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the United States to adopt a stricter posture, rejecting any compromise that could enable Tehran to maintain nuclear-related capabilities, even at limited levels. In Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that Iran is still evaluating the US proposal, noting that Washington has yet to offer sufficient assurances regarding the timeline and mechanism for lifting sanctions, which Iranian officials view as a central issue in any negotiation.