Barzani holds talks with Azm Alliance leader in Erbil

ERBIL — Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani met Monday in Erbil with Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai to discuss political developments in Iraq and the region, according to a statement.

The meeting coincided with a visit by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to the Kurdistan Region, accompanied by a senior political delegation from the Coordination Framework, to meet Kurdish leaders in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.

In a statement, al-Samarrai’s office said that “the head of the Azm Alliance, Muthanna al-Samarrai, met today, Monday, in Erbil with Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani, accompanied by a delegation of Azm Alliance leaders,” adding that the talks addressed “developments in the overall political scene and the requirements of the next stage at the national level.”

According to the statement, the meeting also discussed “the importance of strengthening dialogue and understanding among political forces, consolidating national partnership, and dealing responsibly with constitutional obligations,” in a way that “contributes to supporting political stability, ensuring the regular functioning of constitutional institutions, and serving the interests of citizens across Iraq.”

Iraq is in the process of electing a new president following the 2025 parliamentary elections. Under Iraq’s constitution, parliament must elect a president, who then appoints a prime minister.

Iraq’s Council of Representatives on Sunday postponed a scheduled session to elect the country’s president, without announcing a new date.

The Shiite-led Coordination Framework nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate to be prime minister. This move has drawn public opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump, who wrote on social media saying the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki were selected because of his past leadership.