KRG condemns Iranian threats on Kurdistan Region

On Saturday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) rejected threats made by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander against the Kurdistan Region.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – On Saturday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) rejected threats made by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander against the Kurdistan Region.

Serdar Hussoin Salami, the Deputy Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, threatened to “destroy” the Kurdistan Region during a Friday prayer speech.

“Iran will decisively destroy any place that is the origin of threats against its ruling system, and will destroy any threat regardless of their geographical location,” Salami had stated.

The KRG released a statement the following day reacting to the comments.

“We strongly reject Serdar Salami’s threats, and we consider it inappropriate with the historical and friendly relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the report read.

According to the KRG statement, the threats come following friendly talks between Kurdistan and Iran.

“These threats are totally against the nature of the talks between both sides, and these threats do not serve our relations. This language should not be used towards the Kurdistan Region,” the statement read.

“We view our affairs with [Iran] with importance, and we try to improve and increase relations in all aspects; therefore these threats go against this direction,” the KRG added.

On June 26, Iranian artillery shelled Haji Omaran and Sidakan areas in the Province of Erbil located on the Kurdistan border with Iran, injuring four civilians.

Meanwhile, since the conflict resumed with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Turkey has been shelling the Kurdistan Region borders in Erbil and Duhok provinces.

On June 27, the KRG asked both Turkey and Iran to stop bombing the Region.

Additionally, they urged Kurdish opposition parties not to use the Region’s soil to attack neighboring countries.

A Kurdistan24 reporter attended a press conference by US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby on Friday questioning the US’ response to the Iranian threat to the Kurdistan.

“I have not seen any reports of the shelling, I would also encourage you to consult the Defense Department as well and the coalition,” Kirby responded.

“The notion that we are somehow turning a blind eye to Iran and whatever destabilizing activities they may be conducting is not an accurate portrayal,” he concluded.

 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany
(Laurie Mylroie contributed to this report)