King of Jordan Condoles Kurdistan Region PM Over Peshmerga Casualties
ARK News.. The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, received a message of condolence on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, following the killing of a number of Peshmerga members and the injury of others in an Iranian ballistic missile attack.
In his message, the Jordanian monarch, on his own behalf and on behalf of the people and government of Jordan, expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies to the Prime Minister and to the people of the Kurdistan Region over this painful loss.
He also prayed that God may grant the martyrs His vast mercy, inspire their families with patience and solace, and bestow a swift recovery upon the injured.
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Masrour Barzani to Tom Barrack: We Highly Value the Partnership Between Erbil and Washington
ARK News.. The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, received a phone call on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, from Ambassador Tom Barrack, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy to Syria.
During the call, Barrack expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies to the Prime Minister following the killing of a number of Peshmerga members in the Iranian ballistic missile attack that targeted their positions in the Soran area.
For his part, Barzani expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Barrack for the call and for his expressions of solidarity.
In another part of the discussion, the two sides reviewed the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the region in general. In a post on his official account on X on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Barzani highlighted his appreciation for the level of coordination and support shown by the United States toward the region.
He stated: “We highly value the existing partnership between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United States at this sensitive time.”
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of diplomatic and security stability, noting the continuation of bilateral dialogues and meetings aimed at serving mutual interests and enhancing regional security amid current challenges.
Earlier, the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs announced in a statement on March 24 that one of its positions had been targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles in the Soran area, resulting in the killing of six Peshmerga members and the injury of 30 others.
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Over 130,000 People Return to Syria in Less Than 20 Days
ARK News.. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that more than 130,000 people crossed into Syria between March 2 and March 18.
In a report, the organization stated that around 95 percent of the returnees were Syrians who had previously been displaced to neighboring countries, while Lebanese nationals accounted for 5 percent of the total crossings, indicating demographic shifts influenced by the ongoing military escalation in the region.
This large-scale return of Syrians comes at a time when the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by deteriorating basic services and rising poverty rates, placing returnees in front of immense shelter and relief challenges that international organizations and the Syrian government are struggling to address.
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Nechirvan Barzani: Iran Admitted Peshmerga Were Targeted by Mistake
ARK News.. The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, announced that Iranian officials have acknowledged that the attack on Peshmerga forces was carried out by mistake, while reaffirming that the Kurdistan Region will not be part of the ongoing war in the region.
Barzani made the remarks on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, during his participation in a funeral gathering in Soran for six Peshmerga fighters who were killed in an Iranian ballistic missile attack.
In a press statement, he said: “We strongly condemn this attack,” revealing that discussions had taken place with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the incident. He added: “Iran is investigating the attack and has acknowledged that the strike was carried out by mistake. We are now awaiting Iran’s final response to the Kurdistan Region.”
The President reiterated Erbil’s consistent stance on regional tensions, stating: “The Kurdistan Region has always been a factor of calm and stability in the region. We will never pose a threat to neighboring countries, nor will we, under any circumstances, be part of this war.”
In another part of his remarks, Barzani addressed Baghdad, calling on the federal government to assume its responsibilities, saying: “The Iraqi government must act as a sovereign state.”
He also warned of the risks of maintaining the current situation, stressing that “attacks by outlaw groups must be urgently stopped” in order to preserve stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
It is worth noting that an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Tuesday targeted the headquarters of the Fifth and Seventh Peshmerga brigades in the Soran and Spilik sectors, killing six fighters and injuring 30 others, sparking widespread condemnation.
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Israeli Army Advances into Quneitra Countryside
ARK News.. A Syrian media source reported that an Israeli patrol entered Syrian territory and established a checkpoint in the Quneitra countryside.
According to Syria TV, an Israeli military force advanced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, into southern Syria’s Quneitra countryside as part of ongoing military movements along the border region.
The patrol, consisting of four military vehicles, set up a checkpoint at the Jabata al-Khashab Quarry junction in Quneitra countryside.
Yesterday, another Israeli patrol, composed of 30 soldiers and a vehicle, advanced into the areas of Siddi Ruwayhina and al-Mantra.
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Kurdistan Community Union Condemns Iranian Rocket Attack on Peshmerga Headquarters
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Community Union issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the Iranian rocket attack targeting Peshmerga Forces headquarters in the Soran area, describing it as a “cowardly and aggressive act.”
The union emphasized in its statement, addressed to the public and the international community, that it will not remain silent in the face of these ongoing violations against the land and people of Kurdistan. It declared its intent to use all available means abroad to convey the “voice of the oppressed Kurdish people” to global decision-making centers and international organizations.
The statement read: “We are preparing to employ every available tool and mechanism to exert real and effective pressure on the international community, the United Nations, and decision-making countries, urging them to fulfill their moral and legal obligations in protecting the entity and sovereignty of the Kurdistan Region and to put an end to these hostile attacks.”
It further stressed that the Kurdistan Region represents a “stability factor” in the region, and it is unacceptable for the region to continue paying the price for neighboring states’ conflicts. The union affirmed that “the will of the Kurdish people and the Peshmerga Forces is stronger than these schemes.”
The Kurdistan Community Union concluded its statement by extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and wishing a speedy recovery to the thirty wounded in the attack.
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Three Countries Relay Messages Between Washington and Tehran to End War
ARK News.. The Axios news outlet reported that Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have, over the past two days, been relaying messages between the United States and Iran in a bid to de-escalate tensions and bring the war to an end.
Citing a U.S. source, Axios reported that the foreign ministers of the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on ending the conflict and resolving outstanding issues.
“The mediation is ongoing and making progress. We hope to receive answers soon,” the source said.
Earlier on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington had held talks with Tehran over the past two days, describing them as “very good and highly productive.”
He added that he had ordered a five-day delay in all planned strikes against Iranian energy facilities and infrastructure, noting that in-depth discussions with Iran would continue throughout the week.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that any negotiations are taking place between Tehran and Washington.
In statements carried by Iranian media, the ministry said: “There are no talks between Tehran and Washington,” describing Trump’s remarks as attempts to lower energy prices and buy time to implement military plans.
The ministry added that Iran’s response to regional mediation initiatives has been clear, stating: “We are not the party that started the war.”
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Clarification from the Office of Local Councils Affairs in the Kurdish National Council
ARK News.. The Office of Local Councils Affairs of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) announced the postponement of Newroz celebrations due to adverse weather conditions.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 23, 2026, the council said that severe weather in several areas prevented the celebrations from being held as planned, prompting relevant bodies to refrain from proceeding with the scheduled events.
The statement emphasized that any activities currently being organized do not represent the council.
The KNC added that a new event will be organized at a later, more suitable time, with the participation of artistic groups affiliated with the council, noting that further details will be announced soon.
Statement Highlights
The Council reaffirmed that the Kurdish people celebrate Newroz annually on March 21 as a national occasion symbolizing freedom, renewal, and rebirth—traditionally marked by gatherings in nature as an expression of cultural and national identity. However, it noted that harsh weather conditions beyond control prevented several Kurdish regions from observing the occasion in the usual manner.
“Out of a sense of responsibility and commitment to national principles—which affirm that this occasion cannot be postponed or canceled unilaterally by any political party—we clarify that the celebrations scheduled for tomorrow are not affiliated with us,” the statement said.
The Council stressed that the postponement does not mean the absence of future activities, confirming that a separate event will be organized in a natural setting with the participation of artistic groups affiliated with KNC parties. It also clarified that the upcoming event will not be held under the title of Newroz.
The Council concluded by stating that the date, location, and details of the event will be announced at the earliest opportunity.
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Kurdish National Council Holds Extensive Talks in Damascus
ARK News.. As part of its visit to Damascus upon an official invitation from the Syrian Presidency, a delegation from the Kurdish National Council, headed by Mohammed Ismail, held a series of extensive meetings to discuss Kurdish-related issues and enhance channels of communication aimed at strengthening stability.
On Monday, March 23, 2026, the delegation met with Hussein Abbas, head of the Political Authority in Hasaka Governorate, Brigadier Ziad al-Ayesh, head of the presidential delegation overseeing the January 29 agreement, as well as the Assistant Minister of Interior for Civil Affairs.
Discussions focused on mechanisms for implementing the provisions of the “January 29 Agreement” and activating the role of joint committees tasked with overseeing its execution, in light of ongoing political and security developments in Syria. The talks also addressed ways to confront challenges, enhance stability, and reinforce state authority.
The meeting further explored the Kurdish issue as a central national matter, including Presidential Decree No. 13, citizenship procedures, the state of education, and counter terrorism efforts. Participants emphasized the need to integrate political and security tracks with development and service-oriented efforts, while strengthening institutions to ensure service delivery and empower civil and security bodies.
They also highlighted the urgency of addressing education and reconstruction files, promoting equal citizenship under the law, and improving local administration in Hasaka, alongside broader political and service-related issues across Syria.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on maintaining continuous communication channels between all parties to prevent obstruction of the agreement and to promote cooperation based on trust and national partnership.
The visit comes within the framework of ongoing consultations on national issues and negotiation tracks aimed at achieving a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, underscoring the importance of Syrian-Syrian dialogue in overcoming the current phase.
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Masrour Barzani and Michael Waltz Reaffirm Strong US–Kurdistan Ties
ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani held a phone call on Sunday evening, March 22, 2026, with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, during which they discussed security challenges and attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
The two sides also addressed the economic crises affecting the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. They noted that the Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to resume oil exports through its pipeline represents a supportive step toward easing economic pressures.
Both sides reaffirmed the depth of the longstanding and close relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
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