President Barzani addresses a message to the people of Kurdistan.

ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani issued a message on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, marking the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Message from President Masoud Barzani

In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,

As everyone knows, under the agreement between the international coalition forces and the Iraqi federal government, today, September 30, 2026, marks the final day of the coalition’s mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The coalition forces supported the Iraqi forces and the Peshmerga in the war against terrorism, as well as in restoring and consolidating stability in Iraq.

During their presence, the international coalition forces provided significant assistance to the Iraqi forces and the Peshmerga and made major sacrifices. Now that their mission has ended, it remains the responsibility of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region to conclude bilateral agreements with coalition countries, in accordance with the circumstances and in a manner that serves the preservation of stability.

It is therefore appropriate to express our thanks to the coalition forces for their efforts and dedication. Their role in defeating ISIS and restoring stability to Iraq is greatly appreciated and respected. We also honor the souls of all Peshmerga, Iraqi forces, and coalition personnel who lost their lives. Their memory will remain eternal and forever present in our minds.

With regard to the Kurdistan Region, some people, out of concern, while others are driven by hostility and hatred or inaccurate interpretations, believe that the departure of the coalition forces will leave the Region vulnerable to threats or even lead to its disappearance. I would therefore like to reassure the dear people of Kurdistan that there is very strong coordination with the Iraqi federal government to confront any type of threat or danger, whether under the name of ISIS or any other designation.

I also say to any entity or party that imagines it can threaten the stability of the Kurdistan Region or harm it: it should fully understand that Kurdistan has sufficient numbers of Peshmerga forces, heroes, and patriotic fighters who are ready to defend the people of Kurdistan and its land and to thwart any threat or aggression. The Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, rooted in the history of the Kurdish people’s liberation struggle and born from the blood of martyrs and the tears of their mothers, will always remain present and steadfast. The Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, in full coordination with the Iraqi federal forces, remain fully prepared to defend and preserve the stability of the country and prevent all forms of threats and dangers.

Masoud Barzani

September 30, 2026

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