Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Former Iraqi Foreign Minister and senior Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official Hoshyar Zebari has warned that Iraq is teetering on the edge of a security and political crisis following a sharp increase in drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region’s infrastructure and oil facilities.

In an interview with Iraqi Channel, Zebari described the recent assaults as “hostile” operations aimed at crippling the Kurdistan Region’s economy and forcing international oil companies to withdraw. He revealed that at least 14 drone strikes were recorded last month alone, hitting Sulaymaniyah province, Kirkuk and Erbil airports, and multiple oil fields.

Zebari stated that joint investigations by the Iraqi government, U.S.-led Coalition forces, and American officials traced the attacks to areas under the control of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), including the Nineveh Plain, Rashad area in Kirkuk, and other locations. He alleged that the armed groups responsible operate from bases near Iraqi military facilities—even within Baghdad’s Green Zone.

“These groups are playing with fire in an already volatile situation,” Zebari said, accusing them of seeking to intimidate U.S.-linked oil companies in Kurdistan. He criticized the Iraqi government for forming multiple investigative committees without producing tangible results, suggesting Baghdad lacks seriousness in addressing the issue.

Zebari also highlighted recent U.S. warnings to Baghdad, including a written message opposing a proposed law to formalize the Hashd al-Shaabi’s status. According to him, Washington’s tone has shifted toward threats of sanctions and reduced military, security, and financial cooperation, with specific Iraqi officials and factions being named.

The Kurdish leader dismissed conspiracy theories blaming the attacks on Kurds, Americans, or Israelis, calling them attempts to divert attention from the failures of the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”

On domestic politics, Zebari warned that Iraq’s upcoming elections could be the most difficult in recent history, particularly due to the absence of the Sadrist Movement, which he described as a “permanent ally of the Kurds.” He cautioned that passing the Hashd al-Shaabi law could further destabilize Iraq and trigger stronger U.S. measures, similar to policies imposed on Lebanon over Hezbollah’s disarmament.

“The current relationship between the new U.S. administration and the Iraqi government is weak,” Zebari concluded, stressing that continued inaction could push Iraq toward a dangerous tipping point.