Kurdistan Region presidency condemns Israeli strikes, warns of regional instability

ERBIL — The presidency of the Kurdistan Region on Friday condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, warning that escalating military actions risk undermining regional and global stability.

“We condemn the Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran and the use of military force in resolving conflicts,” the presidency said in a statement. “These developments further complicate the peace and stability of the region and pose a threat to regional and international security and stability.”

The statement cautioned against further escalation, saying, “Confrontation and military action will worsen the situation.”

“At this sensitive time,” it added, “it is the responsibility of the international community to respond swiftly and to prevent further escalation of chaos and disorder.”

The remarks followed a series of Israeli strikes early Friday under Operation Rising Lion, which targeted military and nuclear-related sites in Iran. Among those reported killed were senior Iranian officials, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces; and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Additional Israeli airstrikes were reported later in the day in cities including Shiraz.

Earlier Friday, Iraq’s federal government called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, describing the Israeli strike as a violation of international law and a threat to global security.

Iraq’s Ministry of Transport also announced that the country’s airspace will remain closed until further notice, extending the suspension of all civil aviation operations amid the escalating regional conflict.