Peregraf
Faramarz Asadi has officially assumed his duties as the new Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Asadi today, offering his support for the Consul General’s success in his new role. The meeting focused on the relationship between Iran and the Kurdistan Region, as well as broader regional developments.
According to a press release from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the newly appointed Iranian Consul General expressed satisfaction with his assignment. He underscored the significance of the enduring relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties across various fields.
The Kurdistan Region and Iran share deep historical, cultural, and economic bonds. Iran has been a key partner to the Kurdistan Region, particularly during critical moments such as the fight against ISIS and periods of economic hardship. Trade between the two neighbors plays a significant role in their relationship, with several border crossings facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Despite occasional political and security challenges, both sides have consistently expressed a commitment to maintaining and expanding their cooperation. However, the relationship has also been marked by tensions. Iran has raised concerns about the presence of an "Israeli base" and the activities of "separatist armed groups" across its borders, referring to Kurdish opposition parties based in the Kurdistan Region. These accusations have led to repeated cross-border attacks, including the shelling of Erbil and other areas within the Kurdistan Region.
Even after the security agreement signed between Iraq and Iran in March 2023—witnessed by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Interior Minister—the Iranian Revolutionary Guards launched 11 ballistic missiles in mid-January 2024. Five of these missiles struck the house of Peshraw Dzeyi, a prominent Erbil businessman. The attack claimed the lives of Dzeyi, his daughter, Karam Mikhail (an Iraqi businessman and guest of Dzeyi), and a Filipino employee. Dzeyi’s family and two children were injured in the incident.
The Revolutionary Guards justified the attack by alleging the presence of an "Israeli base," a claim that has been consistently and strongly rejected by the Kurdistan Region. These repeated accusations and military actions have strained relations but have not derailed the broader commitment to dialogue and cooperation.