Barzani appeals for advanced air‑defence systems as Kurdistan endures wave of drone strikes

Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, has called for a significant upgrade of air‑defence capabilities to counter a sustained campaign of armed drone assaults traced to Iran or Iran‑linked militias.

The most recent incident, a Monday strike, hit both his private office and the home of the KRG’s security council director. Since the outbreak of the US‑Israel conflict with Iran on 28 February, more than 1,000 drone attacks have struck the region, he said.

In an exclusive interview with Al‑Monitor, Barzani dismissed any provocation of neighbouring states. “We have not threatened any neighbour,” he said, questioning why Iran‑linked forces target Kurdistan. He urged Tehran to clarify how drones unknown to others were being used against targets outside Iranian territory.

Barzani expressed alarm over the withdrawal of US training units and Patriot air‑defence assets scheduled for the end of September. He noted that the KRG has not yet acquired effective systems to protect against the growing threat and has so far depended on American‑supplied intercepts that have succeeded in neutralising most incoming missiles and drones.

The loss of US air‑defence coverage, he warned, would create a security vacuum and leave the region vulnerable. He appealed to all international partners to assist in building indigenous defensive capacities, including early‑warning radars and anti‑drone measures, to safeguard civilians, energy infrastructure and the broader area.

Barzani also highlighted his strong ties with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, calling him a trusted leader and endorsing his anti‑corruption drive and efforts to disarm militias. He hopes that armed groups will comply with the government’s 30 September deadline for surrendering weapons, stating that any failure would have serious consequences.

The prime minister underscored the strategic value of the US‑KRG partnership, describing Kurdistan as America’s most reliable ally in the region. He praised the Trump administration’s focus on economic integration and encouraged American companies to invest across energy, agriculture, infrastructure and technology sectors, while stressing the need to protect those investments.

Domestically, Barzani lamented the 20‑month delay in forming a new KRG cabinet after the October 2024 regional election. He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and urged all parties to prioritise the Kurdistan people’s interests over factional politics.

In closing, Barzani reaffirmed his desire to maintain a robust relationship with the United States beyond security, seeking deeper economic and political cooperation while ensuring that the eventual US troop drawdown does not create a regional security vacuum.

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