Good day to all our viewers. In this special interview today, where we are hosting at a time when various and major geopolitical changes are being witnessed, we are hosting His Excellency Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Your Excellency, welcome to this special interview on (Al Arabiya).
Masrour Barzani: Thank you very much for hosting us.
Al Arabiya: Recently, we have seen major developments in the region, which could be headlined by US President Trump’s statements at this stage. As a basis, how would you describe the Kurdistan Region’s relationship with the current US administration?
Masrour Barzani: We have a good relationship with the United States, which has been a great supporter of Iraq in general and the Kurdistan Region in particular, specifically during the war against ISIS and countering terrorism. America has provided assistance to Iraq since the removal of the previous regime. We have naturally developed good relations with all active parties within the United States of America, and we value their support. We were allies in the fight against ISIS, as well as in the joint development process that the Kurdistan Region has witnessed.
Al Arabiya: In that sense, if the international coalition forces in Iraq are reduced, will some forces remain in the Kurdistan Region? What are the types of these forces or the nature of the allies’ presence in the Kurdistan Region?
Masrour Barzani: This decision rests with the United States regarding the type and number of forces it wants to keep in the Kurdistan Region. Previously, the initial plan was for coalition forces to leave Iraq by the end of 2025 but remain in the Kurdistan Region until the end of 2026 and then leave the Kurdistan Region. However, the changes we’ve seen in these recent months have, I believe, led to some changes even in Baghdad’s position, so I don’t think this plan is as suitable as it was before. But again, this decision is ultimately one that the United States government will make regarding the fate of its forces.
Al Arabiya: Do you have coordination with the federal government in this regard? What is the federal government’s view on these forces and their presence in counterterrorism?
Masrour Barzani: Certainly, we are in continuous contact with the federal government and have expressed our views. We as the Kurdistan Region have expressed our willingness to host coalition forces that are in the region, this is due to the Kurdistan Region’s recognition of the risks, challenges, and security issues that we all face.
Al Arabiya: It’s not the first time that it’s been said the Kurdistan Region is targeted not only because it has strong relations with the United States but also because there are Israeli bases in the Kurdistan Region. You consistently deny the presence of Israeli bases in the Kurdistan Region. Why is this issue repeatedly brought up?
Masrour Barzani: This accusation has no truth to it, and those who make these claims have never proven it. The Israelis have no presence in the Kurdistan Region. Unfortunately, most of these accusations come from those who have no justification for attacking the Kurdistan Region and have created these kinds of accusations to justify their poor positions or unjustified attacks against the Kurdistan Region. I can assure you that the Israelis are not in the Kurdistan Region and have no locations there.
Al Arabiya: What are the Kurdistan Region’s capabilities and success in strengthening its relationship with the United States on one side and Iran on the other, which is a strong neighbor of the Kurdistan Region? How do you succeed in this equation and maintain a balance between the United States and Iran?
Masrour Barzani: We govern our destiny and make our own decisions; we are not agents of any party. We have good relations with the United States, and we are proud of these relations. Just as we have a very long border with Iran, and our relations with Iran are very good. There were times when these relations saw ups and downs, unfortunately, they took certain steps due to misunderstandings, as we saw what happened in the past, but we have passed this stage. We believe that good intentions are a guarantee for finding solutions. We respect both countries and our relations are based on mutual respect – they respect us, and we respect them.
Al Arabiya: Do you think Trump will add something to these economic relations?
Masrour Barzani: I cannot speak on behalf of President Donald Trump. But I can say that the Kurdistan Region has very good capabilities, not just in the oil and gas sector, but has many capabilities.
Al Arabiya: Can the formation of a new government in the Kurdistan Region improve some conditions? We know after the last election, the KDP won 39 seats and the PUK won 23 seats. There were some disagreements about ministerial positions, is the formation of government internally blocked?
Masrour Barzani: I hope an agreement on forming a new government is reached soon, as it serves the Kurdish people’s interests. We invited all winners to participate, but the outcome depends on negotiations. The KDP won 39 seats due to election law changes, dividing Kurdistan into electoral districts. Despite winning 46% of votes, seat distribution aimed to reduce seats based on votes. Regardless of the numbers, the Kurdish people succeeded, and ultimately, we all need this government.
Al Arabiya: We were talking about the Kurdistan Region’s relations with its neighbors. A while ago, there was talk about mediation, I had an interview with Mr. Mazloum Abdi, and he told me that he had a meeting with President Barzani and asked him to mediate with Turkey for de-escalation, where did this file reach?
Masrour Barzani: We are deeply concerned about Syria, as we are direct neighbors and share strong ties with both Kurds and Arabs there. Our goal is to reduce tensions, particularly between Turkey and the Kurds in northeastern Syria. I visited Turkey, met President Erdogan, and discussed the situation openly. Turkey fears the PKK’s presence in Syria, which affects our region. The best solution is for Syrian Kurds to distance themselves from the PKK. Mazloum Abdi met President Masoud Barzani in Erbil, where they discussed Kurdish unity and working toward a peaceful resolution with Damascus.
Al Arabiya: How are relations with Gulf countries? We know that the Kurdistan Region’s relations with Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia in particular are very good, what are the most prominent areas of cooperation and investment between both sides?
Masrour Barzani: We have strong ties with Gulf Cooperation Council states, including Saudi Arabia, and seek to enhance them. We welcome Gulf and Saudi companies to invest in Kurdistan and explore opportunities beneficial to both sides. Kurdistan’s culture, geography, and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors and investors. We value our relationship with the Gulf states and aim to expand and strengthen these partnerships for mutual economic and cultural growth.
Al Arabiya: This question many Kurds themselves avoid, is there still a dream of a Kurdish state?
Masrour Barzani: The future of Kurds depends on how they are treated. Europe once fought for independent states but now thrives as a union. Similarly, if Kurds face continued injustice and inequality, their reaction will reflect that. However, if new approaches based on acceptance, respect, equality, and justice emerge, progress and stability are possible. The key to a peaceful future lies in fair treatment and mutual recognition within the countries where Kurds live. I think the matter depends on how we are treated.
Al Arabiya: Your message to Ahmed Sharaa?
Masrour Barzani: He should be the president of all Syrians, he must respect all components of the Syrian people for continuity and success.
Al Arabiya: Your message to Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?
Masrour Barzani: Him too. He must be the prime minister of all Iraq not just one component, and continue good relations with Kurds, Sunnis, and Shias in the country.
Al Arabiya: Your message to Mazloum Abdi?
Masrour Barzani: He must work for Kurdish unity to guarantee Kurdish rights and Syria’s future.
Al Arabiya: Öcalan?
Masrour Barzani: He is in prison, as a human being, I hope one day he will be freed, in general, that we reach a solution for the Kurdish cause within Turkey.
Al Arabiya: I want to thank you very much for your time and openness and all the information you provided.
Would you like to make final remarks?
Masrour Barzani: Thank you very much, I respect this frank dialogue.