Nechirvan Barzani welcomes US-Iran ceasefire as step toward de-escalation

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, calling it “an important step toward de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the restoration of constructive dialogue.”

“We appreciate the efforts of all sides that contributed to facilitating this ceasefire,” Barzani wrote on X, expressing hope that “all parties will uphold this commitment in good faith and work toward a lasting peace that promotes stability, security, and prosperity throughout the entire region.”

The ceasefire is a temporary two-week agreement that includes steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to be followed by negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The Kurdistan Region was among the most heavily struck areas during the conflict, facing more than 500 attacks since the war began Feb. 28, including Iranian ballistic missile strikes that killed Peshmerga fighters and drone attacks on civilian neighborhoods, diplomatic compounds and energy infrastructure.