ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq on Monday met with Kurdish leaders in Erbil to discuss the war-end agreement between Iran and the United States, the conflict's impact on the Kurdistan Region, and Erbil’s relations with both Baghdad and London.
Siddiq met with Kurdish President Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), where “the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments and changes in the region,” a statement from the Kurdish leader’s office said.
President Masoud Barzani and Ambassador Siddiq also “discussed relations and coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG] and the Iraqi federal government,” as well as “efforts to overcome existing obstacles and challenges” in the ties between them.
The British diplomat also met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan where talks focused on “the latest developments in the region,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Region’s Presidency.
The two top officials “welcomed the recent agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it would contribute to peace and stability,” the statement said.
Iran and the US signed a war-end agreement, a senior US administration official confirmed to reporters - including Rudaw’s - on Monday.
The senior US official, who spoke anonymously during a background briefing, said the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington was signed electronically by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, describing it as the first formal framework guiding renewed negotiations between the two countries.
The agreement lays out a phased structure for future talks on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, regional security, and maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, other US officials who spoke at the same briefing detailed.
Moreover, the Kurdish President and the British ambassador reviewed “the UK’s relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the political landscape in Iraq, and the formation of the federal government,” the Presidency’s statement added.
They also “discussed the political climate in the Kurdistan Region and the initiatives aimed at addressing and resolving internal challenges,” while stressing the need for “dialogue and mutual understanding between Erbil and Baghdad to tackle unresolved issues.”
Later in the day, the British diplomat also met with Kurdish Premier Masrour Barzani where they also “discussed the situation in Iraq and the latest regional developments,” relayed a statement from the KRG.
Siddiq also praised a recent visit by Prime Minister Prime Minister to Baghdad as “a successful step toward resolving outstanding issues” between Erbil in Baghdad within the framework of the Iraqi constitution, while also stressing the need to enhance ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom.
Of note, the UK is a key member of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) and plays an important role in supporting the KRG in reforming the command structure of the Peshmerga units, while also providing training to the Kurdish forces.
