Iran urges Iraqi Kurds to reject provocations after Erbil drone strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged Kurdish authorities in Iraq to remain vigilant against attempts to create divisions following drone strikes on the offices and residence of Kurdistan Regional Government officials in Erbil.

“Nothing justifies the reckless attack on PM Barzani’s office,” Araghchi said in a post on X, warning that the incident could be a “false-flag” operation aimed at creating tensions between neighbouring countries, Caliber.Az reports.

Nothing justifies the reckless attack on PM Barzani's office. Kurdish friends should be vigilant against false-flag ploys to sow discord between neighbors.

We protected our Kurdish friends against Saddam and DAESH, and we're thankful for security they've provided on our border.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 17, 2026

The remarks followed a phone call between Araghchi and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein over the August 17 drone strikes targeting the offices of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

According to Iraq’s Foreign Ministry, Hussein sought clarification on Tehran’s position regarding the attack, warning that it could negatively affect Iraq’s security and regional stability.

Araghchi said he was surprised by the strikes and had no information indicating that they had been launched from Iranian territory. He also said such an attack was unjustifiable given the “positive and strong relations” between Iran and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned the incident.

The strikes reportedly targeted the office of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the regional intelligence chief in Erbil. 

By Sabina Mammadli