Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has stated that Iraq has yet to fulfill its federalism promises. He spoke on Sunday during the Tehran Dialogue Forum, hosted by Iran’s Foreign Ministry. The event gathered regional leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss cooperation and shared challenges.
Barzani opened his speech by stressing that Iraq plays a central role in the Middle East. However, he argued that the governance model defined in the 2005 constitution remains unrealized. He stated clearly, “We live in a geography called Iraq. We must establish a governance model that is satisfactory to everyone.”
Moreover, Barzani reminded the audience that Iraq’s constitution was approved by 80 percent of the population. Yet, he criticized Baghdad for failing to treat the Kurdistan Region according to true federalism. This failure, he warned, hinders political stability and causes deep divisions.
To resolve these issues, Barzani called for honest dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad. He urged all parties to fully commit to the Iraqi constitution. Only then, he said, can power be shared fairly, and Iraq move forward.
In addition to federalism, Barzani discussed regional relations. He highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s strong ties with Iran. Around 60 percent of trade between Iran and Iraq passes through the Kurdistan Region, showing its strategic importance.
He also praised Iran for its historical support. Barzani especially commended President Pezeshkian for speaking Kurdish during a visit to Erbil. That moment, Barzani noted, touched many people in Kurdistan.
The President also addressed growing security cooperation between Erbil, Baghdad, and Tehran. He confirmed several high-level meetings in Tehran to improve coordination.
Turning to broader Kurdish issues, Barzani rejected violence as a solution. “The Kurdish issue cannot be resolved through war and bloodshed,” he said. He also stressed that the Kurdistan Region avoids interfering in the internal affairs of Turkey or other neighbors.
Barzani mentioned efforts to revive the Kurdish peace process in Turkey. He acknowledged the key roles of the PKK, the DEM Party, and Abdullah Ocalan.
In conclusion, Barzani used the forum to reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and dialogue. He made it clear that Iraq must honor its federalism promises to move forward.