KRG Neutrality Under Fire as Iranian Strikes Pound Kurdistan Region
ERBIL, April 6, 2026 – Despite repeated pledges of strict neutrality by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) leaders, the autonomous region has come under sustained missile and drone attacks from Iran and its allied Iraqi militias since the start of the 2026 Iran war, testing Erbil’s red lines and raising questions about the limits of its non-involvement policy.Since February 28, when joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began, the Kurdistan Region has endured nearly 500 to over 670 drone and missile attacks, according to various tallies. The majority have targeted Erbil governorate, hitting Erbil International Airport, the U.S. Consulate General, Peshmerga bases, oil and gas infrastructure, and camps of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.KRG President Nechirvan Barzani has consistently stated that the region “will not be part of the conflicts” and will remain “a factor of peace.” In early March, during a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Barzani stressed that KRG territory “will not be allowed to become a source of threat to Iran or other neighbouring countries.” He has described protecting the region from being drawn into the war as a top priority.Escalating Toll on Peshmerga and CiviliansThe deadliest single strike on KRG forces occurred on March 24, when Iranian ballistic missiles hit a Peshmerga base in the Soran highlands north of Erbil, killing six fighters and wounding more than 20 others. Barzani condemned the attack as “direct hostile aggression” with “no justification.”Overall, Iran-linked attacks between late February and late March resulted in at least 14 killed and 93 injured, including civilians, according to monitoring groups. Targets have included energy facilities such as the Khor Mor gas field, which was forced to shut down supplies, causing electricity blackouts, as well as residential areas and infrastructure.Iran has claimed some strikes targeted U.S. forces at Erbil airport, while pro-Iran Iraqi militias have carried out many of the attacks from federal Iraqi territory. U.S. air defenses have intercepted a significant portion of incoming projectiles, limiting damage in some cases.Red Lines TestedKurdish leaders, including Masoud Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, have reinforced the neutrality stance across party lines. The KRG has denied any role in facilitating cross-border operations or arming groups for actions against Iran.Despite these assurances, the relentless barrage has strained resources and public patience in the region. Analysts note that the attacks appear designed in part to punish the KRG for hosting Iranian Kurdish opposition parties and to deter any perceived alignment with U.S. or Israeli interests.As the war continues, Erbil faces the challenge of balancing its long-standing ties with Washington while shielding its population and hard-won autonomy from spillover violence. Calls have grown for enhanced international air defense support and for Baghdad to exert greater control over militia activities.
By Pshtiwan Reports in Sulaimani.
This report is based on official statements, KRG announcements, and monitoring by local and international sources. Casualty and attack figures vary slightly across trackers.
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