Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Iran during his address at the Tehran Diplomatic Forum on Sunday, while also calling for Baghdad to fully implement Iraq's federal system.

Barzani, who arrived in Tehran at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described the Kurdistan Region's ties with Iran as "historic" and ever-growing. "As neighbors, Iran has stood by us through all our challenges," he said, specifically acknowledging Tehran's early support in the fight against ISIS.

The president also welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's planned visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in September, revealing, "I personally extended an invitation for him to visit Erbil."

Turning to domestic Iraqi politics, Barzani expressed frustration over Baghdad's failure to implement constitutional federalism. "While Iraq is constitutionally a federal state, true federalism remains unrealized," he stated, emphasizing that adherence to the constitution would resolve ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

The remarks come amid persistent tensions over budget allocations, oil revenue sharing, and delayed salary payments to Kurdistan Region employees. Barzani urged dialogue to establish "a clear framework for the new Iraq," with proper recognition of the Region's federal status.

Addressing security concerns, Barzani reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region would not tolerate threats against Iran from its soil. His comments follow periodic Iranian military actions against exiled Kurdish opposition groups in the Region, as well as a 2023 security agreement between Iraq and Iran aimed at stabilizing border areas.

During his visit, Barzani is expected to meet with President Pezeshkian, continuing a series of high-level engagements that have included meetings with Iran's Supreme Leader and late President Ebrahim Raisi earlier this year.

Barzani's participation in the forum underscores the Kurdistan Region's active diplomatic role and its balancing of relations with both Iran and Iraq amid complex regional dynamics.