Erbil, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani hosted a high-profile US delegation led by Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland. The discussions centered on various crucial issues, including the US relationship with Iraq, regional security dynamics, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and internal developments within the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides underscored the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of diplomatic envoys and the security of US and coalition forces in Iraq. The delegation, which included the US ambassador to Baghdad and consul general to Erbil, urged the Iraqi government to take decisive actions to halt the recent spate of drone and rocket attacks targeting American troops. These attacks, largely claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—a network of shadow militias backed by Iran—have escalated since mid-October in retaliation to perceived US support for Israel in its conflict with Gaza.

Recent incidents include rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad and strikes on key locations such as Erbil International Airport and the headquarters of the Iraqi National Security Service. Despite the frequency of these attacks, the Pentagon reported that they have been largely unsuccessful, with at least 66 US personnel sustaining "non-serious" injuries.

President Barzani and the US delegation also addressed internal Kurdish affairs, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding among political parties, particularly between the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

In addition to regional security concerns, the discussions extended to Iraq's recent provincial elections, developments in the Middle East, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Nuland separately met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to delve into Erbil-Baghdad issues, Kurdish constitutional rights, and the strengthening of the federal system in Iraq.

Simultaneously, Nuland met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani in Baghdad, focusing on bilateral relations and strategies to enhance cooperation in line with the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two nations. Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to safeguarding diplomatic missions and coalition advisor sites, expressing strong opposition to any actions by foreign entities on Iraqi territory.

Amid these diplomatic efforts, the US continues to seek a prompt end to military operations in Gaza, advocating for a political path that safeguards the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. The engagements between the US delegation and key leaders in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq highlight the ongoing challenges in the region and the collaborative efforts to address them.