Slemani — Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani on Saturday condemned Iran’s missile attack on the Kurdistan Region, describing it as a deliberate act of aggression, a blatant violation of international law, and an unjustified escalation, while warning that the Region’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
In a statement issued following Friday night’s attacks, Talabani said the Kurdistan Region’s security and sovereignty had been subjected to a “major and unacceptable violation” after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted the Region and its security forces.
“We condemn this attack in the strongest terms. Let it be clear: the targeting of our nation is entirely unacceptable,” Talabani said, adding that the safety of the Kurdish people “is a red line that cannot be crossed.”
He said protecting citizens remained the highest priority, noting that emergency services and security forces had been fully mobilized to safeguard the Region.
“In this difficult time, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers in Erbil, and an attack on any one of us is an attack on us all,” Talabani said, urging residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and follow the guidance of security authorities.
While emphasizing that the Kurdistan Region does not seek further escalation, Talabani warned that “our restraint must not be interpreted as a lack of resolve or inability.”
He said Kurdish authorities are coordinating with allies and partners to pursue a diplomatic response while ensuring “a wise, decisive, and strong defense” to protect the Region.
Talabani also called for an immediate end to what he described as hostile actions and demanded an explanation for the attacks, stressing that the Region’s focus remains on protecting civilians and preventing further escalation.
Iran launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region on Friday, targeting multiple locations. According to Kurdish authorities, one strike killed nine Peshmerga members affiliated with the Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan, while several others were wounded.
The attacks come amid heightened regional tensions between Iran and the United States, which have increasingly affected the security situation in the Kurdistan Region. Tehran has repeatedly carried out missile and drone strikes against targets in the Region, claiming they are aimed at Iranian Kurdish opposition groups and facilities linked to US-led coalition forces.
