French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani speak by phone to discuss regional tensions and bilateral cooperation, March 7, 2026.
Macron calls Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, expresses solidarity over strikes
ERBIL — French President Emmanuel Macron called Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday to express solidarity over recent strikes on the region and reaffirm France’s commitment to Iraq’s stability and territorial integrity.
Macron posted about the call in both French and Kurdish on social media. “I spoke with President Nechirvan Barzani to express my solidarity in the face of the attacks of recent days,” he wrote, adding that the two agreed to continue efforts “to avoid an extension of the conflict to the entire region.”
“France continues to support the full respect of the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Iraq, including Kurdistan,” Macron said.
During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation and expressed concern about the risk of further escalation. They also discussed relations between France, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the continuation of bilateral cooperation. Barzani thanked Macron for France’s continued support, particularly its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the consequences of the war.
The call came as the Kurdistan Region has endured more than 110 missile and drone attacks since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began Feb. 28, with Iran and Iran-aligned militias targeting U.S. bases, Peshmerga positions, Iranian Kurdish opposition group headquarters and civilian infrastructure across the region.