Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw
'Borders are open'
Erbil governor urges calm, says food supplies stable despite strikes on Iran
ERBIL — Authorities in Erbil urged residents Saturday not to panic over food and essential supplies, saying trade activity remains uninterrupted despite ongoing tensions following Israeli strikes on Iran.
“Borders are open and commercial exchanges are ongoing,” Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw said during a press conference. He warned against price manipulation, particularly of food and basic goods, noting that “there are efforts by some to increase food prices, but market inspection teams have intervened and prevented any disruption.”
The Kurdistan Region depends heavily on imports through border crossings with Iran and Turkey. Officials said current food reserves in warehouses and commercial centers are sufficient to meet demand.
“The Kurdistan Region is not involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, and there are no shortages affecting people’s access to goods,” Khoshnaw said. “There is no need for concern. Borders are functioning and food is still entering Kurdistan.”
He acknowledged that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar has fluctuated in recent days, contributing to some price increases, but emphasized that open trade routes mean there is no justification for panic buying.
The black-market exchange rate stood at 1,410 Iraqi dinars to the U.S. dollar one day before the Israeli strikes. It surged to 1,450 dinars afterward, significantly higher than the Central Bank’s official rate of 1,320 dinars to the dollar.
On air travel, Khoshnaw clarified that the ongoing flight suspension and airspace closure affect not just the Kurdistan Region, but all of Iraq and some neighboring countries. “It is a broader measure that includes Iraq and neighboring states,” he said, noting that some nearby countries have already begun resuming flights.
He added that the Kurdistan Regional Government will assist any citizens currently stranded abroad due to the closure and unable to return home.
