Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has warned that the withdrawal of US and coalition forces from Iraq could leave the Kurdistan Region exposed to security threats, calling for defensive systems to be provided as international forces scale back their presence.

In remarks published by the Financial Times on Sunday, Barzani said the coalition withdrawal is taking place at a sensitive time, noting that the Kurdistan Region has experienced more than 1,000 missile and drone attacks.

“Leaving the Kurdistan Region without providing any defensive system is a cause for concern,” Barzani said.

He also warned that continued instability in Iraq's security environment could pose a threat to the country's federal system.

Despite the security concerns, Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region intends to maintain a balanced foreign policy and avoid becoming a party to regional conflicts.

“We are friends and allies of the United States, but at the same time we want to have good relations with all our neighbors, including Iran among them,” he said.

According to statements released by the Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister's Media Office, Erbil remains in continuous communication with Iranian officials and has repeatedly emphasized that the Kurdistan Region is not a party to any war or conflict and does not represent a threat to any side.

Barzani also addressed the presence of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, noting that such groups have been based there for decades, including during the rule of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Support for Baghdad

On relations with Iraq's federal government, Barzani expressed support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's efforts to combat corruption, address the issue of armed militias and their weapons, and resolve outstanding disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region through the Iraqi Constitution.

He said the Kurdistan Region is prepared to cooperate with Baghdad to increase public revenues and overcome political and administrative obstacles.

Barzani's comments come as the security landscape in Iraq and the wider region remains unsettled, with the future role of international forces and the ability of Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to respond to security threats becoming increasingly important issues.

Meanwhile, Barzani said political efforts inside the Kurdistan Region are continuing, including discussions aimed at reactivating the Kurdistan Parliament and forming a new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet.