Axios: Iraqi Kurdistan to remain neutral amid Iran conflict

Authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan have announced their intention to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict surrounding Iran, Axios reports, citing regional government officials.

Officials said one reason for this decision is a lack of trust in the United States, with concerns that Washington might at some point withdraw its support.

“We have trust issues from the past and we don't want to get involved. Who is going to defend us if the Iranian regime ends up surviving this?” Kurdish officials said.

The regional authorities also expressed doubts about the prospects for a potential change of power in Iran.

Another senior official emphasised that “the Kurds should not be the tip of the spear in this conflict.”

Sources added that representatives of Iraqi Kurdistan are acutely aware that the region is virtually defenseless against potential strikes from Iran.