Peshmerga Minister: U.S. Support for Peshmerga Will Continue as Trust Deepens
Minister Ismail stressed the necessity of continuing the Ministry’s reform agenda, which aims to unify and professionalize the Peshmerga as a modern defensive force capable of protecting the Kurdistan Region against present and future threats.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Peshmerga, Shoresh Ismail, affirmed on Wednesday that U.S. support for the Peshmerga forces remains firm, highlighting that the Kurdish forces are seen as a trusted military partner by Washington. He also underlined the momentum of internal reforms and the unified Kurdish backing for the restructuring process.
Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Wednesday, Ismail said:
“Our visit to the United States came at an appropriate time. During this trip, we held a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense.”
He emphasized that during the discussions, the U.S. side reassured the Kurdish delegation of their continued support for the Kurdish forces:
“We were assured during the meeting that America’s assistance and support for the Peshmerga forces will remain.”
Peshmerga Reform Key to Unified Kurdish Force
Minister Ismail stressed the necessity of continuing the Ministry’s reform agenda, which aims to unify and professionalize the Peshmerga as a modern defensive force capable of protecting the Kurdistan Region against present and future threats.
“By continuing the reform process, we can build a cohesive and unified force that will defend the Kurdistan Region against all threats.”
He further added:
“Several reform processes within the Ministry of Peshmerga are progressing, and this has strengthened the U.S. government’s trust in the Kurdish force.”
U.S. Sees Peshmerga as a Trusted Partner
Minister Ismail praised the Trump administration’s position on the Kurdish issue and its recognition of the Peshmerga’s role:
“The Kurdish Peshmerga is a trusted force for the United States. The Trump administration strongly supports the Kurdish people and understands the Kurdish question well. They all speak with pride about the role of the Peshmerga.”
KDP and PUK Stand United Behind Reform
Addressing the political dimension of the reform effort, Ismail noted that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) are fully aligned in their support:
“Both the KDP and PUK strongly support the Ministry’s reform process and the unification of the Peshmerga forces.”
