Barzani Headquarters “Kurdistan Community Office” Congratulates the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria on Its Founding
ARK News.. The Barzani Headquarters “Kurdistan Community Office” sent a congratulatory message to the Secretary, Political Bureau members, Central Committee members, and all members and supporters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of its founding.
The following is the text of the message:
To the leadership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria,
Greetings,
On 14 June 2026, the 69th anniversary of the founding of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria is being marked. On this occasion, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Secretary, members of the Political Bureau, members of the Central Committee, and all members and supporters of your struggling party.
With great respect and appreciation, we recall the founder of the party, the late Dr. Nur al-Din Zaza, along with all fighters of the Kurdish liberation movement. On this occasion, we bow in reverence before their struggle and the sacrifices of their families.
We hope that this occasion will serve as an incentive to strengthen and continue your struggle until the right to self-determination is achieved and the rights of the Kurdish people on their sacred land of Kurdistan are secured.
Long live the Kurds, long live Kurdistan.
Shifa Barzani
13 June 2026
93
Barzani Chairs Expanded KDP Central Committee Meeting on Political Developments
ARK News.. The Central Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) held an expanded meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2026, under the supervision of President Masoud Barzani, with the participation of the party’s deputies, committee members, and branch officials.
The meeting discussed the latest political developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, along with several organizational and party-related issues, in addition to assessing the broader regional situation.
Participants reviewed the implications of the recent war between the United States and Iran and its repercussions on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They noted that although the Kurdistan Region was not a party to the conflict, it suffered human and material losses as a result of missile strikes and drone attacks, which continued even after the cessation of military operations. The meeting also highlighted the impact of the escalation on trade movement and the energy sector.
According to the discussions, attacks targeting oil companies caused significant damage to energy infrastructure and led to a halt in oil production, resulting in substantial economic losses for both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The committee reaffirmed that dialogue and understanding remain the most effective path to resolving crises and preventing further regional escalation.
On relations with the federal government in Baghdad, the KDP Central Committee stressed the party’s commitment to addressing outstanding issues within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution, particularly those related to the federal budget, financial entitlements, and the salaries of public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region. The party reiterated its continued approach of dialogue and coordination with federal authorities.
The meeting also expressed support for forming the new cabinet led by Ali Zaidy, and for continuing cooperation in implementing agreements with the Coordination Framework, ensuring constitutional entitlements are met, and guaranteeing the timely disbursement of salaries and financial dues. It also emphasized efforts to combat corruption and recover public funds.
In another section of the meeting, the committee welcomed the initiative launched by President Masoud Barzani during Eid al-Adha, describing it as an important step to shift political disputes from media tensions to direct dialogue. It was also noted that a team from the Political Bureau has begun a series of meetings and communications with various political actors to seek solutions to the ongoing political crisis in the Kurdistan Region.
The committee further expressed support for the efforts of the President of the Kurdistan Region and the Prime Minister in addressing outstanding issues with the federal government, particularly those related to financial entitlements and public sector salaries, calling for continued efforts in the interest of citizens.
On internal party affairs, the Central Committee reviewed the party’s current situation and plans based on a study prepared by a specialized committee in line with the party’s internal regulations and current requirements. The findings are expected to serve as a roadmap for the party’s upcoming phase.
The meeting concluded with a call to strengthen political stability, resolve citizens’ issues, activate the political process, and enhance relations with Baghdad and other Iraqi political forces in a way that serves the interests of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
107
Shahbaz Sharif: Iran–U.S. Peace Agreement Likely to Be Signed Within the Next 24 Hours
ARK News.. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that a peace agreement between Iran and the United States is likely to be signed within the next 24 hours.
In a post on the social media platform X, Sharif wrote:
“We are closer than ever to a peace agreement. The deal is likely to be finalized within the next 24 hours. Pakistan is prepared to sign it electronically immediately, followed by technical discussions next week.”
The Pakistani prime minister added:
“We thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their continued commitment throughout the negotiations, and we express our deep appreciation to our brothers in the region for their support.”
He concluded by saying:
“We are confident that this historic agreement will provide a solid foundation for lasting peace.”
According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is expected to travel to Geneva as part of efforts to finalize the mediation process between Washington and Tehran and oversee the signing of the agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the agreement could be signed in the presence of several major regional countries acting as witnesses and guarantors, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, and Oman.
The announcement follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated on Thursday that Washington and Tehran had reached what he described as a “great settlement.”
81
Katz: Israel Will Not Withdraw from Security Zones in Syria
ARK News.. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel will not withdraw from what he described as “security zones” in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, citing the need to confront what he called both “near and distant threats.”
In a post published on the social media platform X, Katz stated that Israel expects U.S. President Donald Trump to remain committed to the shared American-Israeli objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He added:
“Israel must ensure its ability to act independently in the future to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare accordingly.”
Katz further claimed that Israel had carried out powerful strikes against Iran that had set back its capabilities “for many years.”
The Israeli defense minister also stressed that Israel “will not withdraw from the security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza,” adding that the Israeli military will continue operating in those areas as what he described as a “fundamental lesson” drawn from the events of October 7, 2023.
107
Erbil Ranked Among the World's Top 1,000 Cities for Startups
ARK News,, The city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, has maintained its position among the world's top 1,000 cities for supporting startups, retaining its status as the second-strongest ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation in Iraq, according to a newly released international report.
The 2026 Startup Blink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, published on Saturday, June 13, 2026, ranked Erbil 932nd globally, while the city successfully preserved its position as Iraq's second-best startup environment since 2025.
At the regional level, Erbil ranked 29th in the Middle East, further strengthening its profile as an emerging hub for business and innovation.
The report noted that Erbil and Baghdad are the only two Iraqi cities to secure places among the world's top 1,000 startup ecosystems. This achievement is seen as a strong indicator of growing entrepreneurial and innovation activity in both cities, despite the broader economic and commercial challenges facing Iraq.
Regarding the national ranking, the report stated that Iraq remains outside the list of the world's top 100 countries for startup ecosystems. However, it classified Iraq as one of the "promising emerging markets" with significant potential to develop its innovation ecosystem in the near future.
The Startup Blink Index is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative global references for evaluating startup ecosystems. It provides annual assessments of startup environments across countries and cities and is frequently used as a benchmark for measuring growth in the digital economy and innovation sectors worldwide.
130
Masrour Barzani Directs Formation of Committee to Receive Wheat Harvest from Kurdistan Farmers
ARK News.. The process of receiving this season’s wheat harvest officially began across the Kurdistan Region on Saturday, amid new organizational measures that rely entirely on a digital system aimed at eliminating queues and ending chronic congestion at government silos.
According to Kurdistan24, Nawzad Sheikh Kamil, Director General of Trade in the Kurdistan Region, stated that the government's official plan targets the procurement of 400,000 tons of wheat through state-operated silos.
He noted that Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has directed the formation of a special ministerial committee to coordinate with the private sector to absorb and purchase surplus wheat production, ensuring that farmers’ efforts are not wasted.
Sheikh Kamil explained that the financial and administrative framework for purchasing the crop has been divided as follows:
Within the official government plan: 292,000 tons will be purchased at a subsidized price of 700,000 Iraqi dinars per ton.
Outside the official plan: 108,000 tons will be purchased at 500,000 Iraqi dinars per ton.
Provincial Allocations
The designated wheat procurement quotas for each province are as follows:
Sulaymaniyah: 150,209 tons
Erbil: 122,680 tons
Duhok: 116,083 tons
Halabja: 11,028 tons
The government’s move comes in response to growing dissatisfaction among farmers across the Kurdistan Region regarding the procurement quotas allocated by the federal government in Baghdad. Farmers argue that this year's abundant harvest significantly exceeds the quantities approved for purchase.
Meanwhile, the Erbil Grain Trade Directorate issued a new operational guideline, confirming that scheduling appointments for wheat delivery will now be conducted exclusively through an electronic platform. Farmers are required to reserve delivery slots online before transporting their wheat to storage facilities.
Four Key Requirements Under the New Delivery System
Mandatory Digital Registration:
Booking a delivery slot through the electronic platform is compulsory. No wheat shipment will be accepted without prior registration.
Strict Adherence to Appointment Times:
Farmers and their trucks must arrive on the scheduled date. Failure to appear will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation, requiring a new application.
Accurate Information Submission:
Any errors or discrepancies in the data entered into the system will lead to the truck being denied entry to the silo premises.
SMS Confirmation:
Farmers will receive a text message confirming successful registration and specifying the final delivery date.
The Directorate emphasized that the primary objective of the new digital system is to streamline the procurement of strategic crops, save farmers’ time, and completely eliminate traffic congestion and overcrowding at storage centers.
167
Meloni: Europe Should Ease Sanctions on Iran if It Enters Negotiations
ARK News.. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Europe must be prepared to ease sanctions on Iran if it shows a willingness to engage in negotiations, while warning that pressure should be increased if Tehran continues its current course.
Speaking before parliament, Meloni said that if Tehran continues “its wrong path, threatening freedom of navigation, carrying out attacks, supporting militias, and violating its international obligations,” then the European Union must be ready to increase pressure, including through new targeted measures.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, she stated that European allies of Kyiv should appoint a single representative for talks with Moscow to end the war, stressing that small groups of states cannot represent the entire bloc.
114
Ahmed al-Sharaa Receives Invitation to Visit the United States
ARK News.. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has received an invitation to visit the United States on June 14, coinciding with the 80th birthday of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the France Press Agency (AFP), a diplomatic source said that “Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has received an invitation to visit the United States on June 14,” without confirming whether he will make the trip.
The diplomatic source indicated that Washington has been pressing Syria since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon on March 2 to take action against the group.
The invitation coincides with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, during which he reportedly plans to host mixed martial arts events at the White House.
If the visit takes place, it would be al-Sharaa’s second trip to the United States since assuming power in December 2024.
Al-Sharaa was previously the first Syrian president to visit the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946, meeting Trump during that visit in November 2025.
He also met Trump for the first time in Saudi Arabia during a Gulf tour in May 2025. Trump later described him as a “very strong leader,” saying he has the potential to rebuild his country.
132
KDP Spokesperson: Efforts Ongoing to End Political Deadlock in Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. The spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) said that efforts are ongoing to end the political deadlock in the Kurdistan Region, confirming the party’s readiness to hold meetings with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), while calling on political parties to strengthen unity in order to confront regional challenges.
Mahmoud Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said in a statement to journalists on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that following the elections and upon an initiative by President Masoud Barzani, the party conducted a series of visits to Kurdish political parties aimed at resolving the ongoing political stalemate in the Kurdistan Region.
He dismissed reports suggesting the party is unwilling to meet, stating: “What is being circulated in the media is not true; we are ready for dialogue, and we have nothing to hide. We must meet and create an appropriate ground to resolve existing problems.”
Mohammed added that contacts and discussions are ongoing to prepare the appropriate conditions for such a meeting, stressing the party’s commitment to ensuring proper preparations so that the talks yield productive outcomes.
Highlighting regional developments, he stressed the importance of unity, saying: “The region is witnessing very significant events and changes. To withstand these challenges and protect the Kurdistan Region from risks, we urgently need internal cohesion and unity.”
103
Drone Attack Targets Grain Storage Warehouse on the Outskirts of Erbil Province
ARK News.. The Counter-Terrorism Service in the Kurdistan Region announced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that a grain storage warehouse in the Qoshtapa district of Erbil Province was targeted by two explosive-laden drones.
In a statement, the Counter-Terrorism Service said the attack occurred at 12:55 p.m. and was carried out using two drones identified as the “Hadid 110” model.
The statement confirmed that the strike caused significant material damage to the warehouse, with no human casualties reported.
The service strongly condemned the attack, stating: “We strongly denounce these terrorist attacks that deliberately target civilian sites and facilities.”
136
