The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, held a telephone conversation on Thursday with Marco Rubio following the Iranian missile attack on March 24 that killed six Peshmerga fighters and injured several others.

According to a statement from the United States Department of State, Secretary Rubio expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen Peshmerga and wished a speedy recovery for those wounded in the attack.

Rubio also strongly condemned the continued attacks carried out by Iran and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias targeting US citizens and energy infrastructure across Iraq. The statement emphasized Washington’s concern over the escalating security threats affecting the Kurdistan Region and broader Iraqi stability.

During the call, the Secretary highlighted the strategic role played by the Kurdistan Regional Government in enabling Iraqi oil—including oil produced in the Kurdistan Region—to reach international markets.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Secretary Rubio for the call and for the United States’ continued support during what he described as a critical period for the region. The two leaders also discussed the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal authorities in Baghdad, as well as the economic challenges currently facing the Kurdistan Region.

Statements from both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the US State Department reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. Both sides emphasized their commitment to supporting the Peshmerga and strengthening regional security while condemning hostile actions by Iranian-backed militias.