On Thursday, March 12, 2026, president Masoud Barzani held a phone conversation with Tom Barrack, the special envoy of president Donald Trump for Syria and the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey. The discussion focused on regional developments, security, and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

During the call, Barrack conveyed greetings from President Trump to Barzani and expressed appreciation for his leadership in maintaining stability and security in the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that the United States continues to view the Kurdistan Region as a close ally and friend, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to ongoing coordination with the regional leadership.

Barrack also highlighted the strategic importance of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq amid the complex regional environment. He stated that the United States would continue supporting both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and cooperation in ways that serve the interests of both sides across various sectors.

Barzani thanked President Trump for his message and expressed his appreciation and respect. He also acknowledged Barrack’s constructive role in regional diplomacy.

During the conversation, Barzani reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to strengthening stability across the wider region and continues to believe in democracy, coexistence, and dialogue as guiding principles. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region has always been part of the solution in regional affairs and will never be part of any problem.

Barzani also briefed the U.S. envoy on recent attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region by outlawed armed groups, describing the incidents as serious concerns for regional security.

Both sides agreed on the importance of keeping the Kurdistan Region and Iraq insulated from ongoing regional conflicts and stressed the need to protect stability and security in both areas.