Iran's First Response to Erbil Attack: 'Kurdish Friends Must Beware False-Flag Traps'

Rastinews — Iran issued the first senior-level response after coming under suspicion for drone strikes on the office of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the head of the region's Security and Intelligence Agency.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attack "reckless" and condemned it, while stopping short of admitting any Iranian role. He urged Kurds to "be wary of false-flag traps designed to sow discord between neighbors." The Kurdistan Region's Counter-Terrorism Directorate had earlier said the two Hadid-110 drones used in the strike were launched from Iran.

Araghchi: 'Nothing Justifies This Attack'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike on Masrour Barzani's office in a statement issued after the attack.

"Nothing can justify the reckless attack on Prime Minister Barzani's office," Araghchi said.

The Iranian minister then delivered a striking "false flag" message:

"Our Kurdish friends must be on guard against false-flag traps used to sow discord between neighbors."

Araghchi noted that Iran had supported Kurds against Saddam Hussein and the Islamic State, and thanked the Kurdistan Region for the security it provides along the Iranian border.

Iranian Foreign Ministry: 'Extremely Suspicious'

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called the attack "an extremely suspicious development."

Baghaei said the attack needed careful investigation and warned that all sides should be alert to attempts aimed at damaging relations between Iran, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

While condemning the attack, Iran rejected the Kurdistan Region authorities' account that the drones had been launched from Iranian territory, suggesting instead that the incident could be an operation designed to cast blame on Tehran.

Erbil: 'Drones Were Launched From Iran'

The Kurdistan Region's Counter-Terrorism Directorate has given an account that contradicts Tehran's version of events.

According to the directorate, two explosive-laden Hadid-110 drones were used in the attack, and both were launched from Iran.

The strikes targeted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's private working office and the residence of the head of the Kurdistan Region Security and Intelligence Agency.

No casualties were reported.

In a statement following the investigation, Masrour Barzani said his office and the intelligence chief's home had been struck by "Iranian drone attacks" and described the incident as a "direct threat" to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.

Baghdad Demands Explanation From Iran

Baghdad also moved into action after the attack.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the formation of an investigative committee to determine the origin of the attack and the launch sites of the drones.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

Hussein described the attack as a "dangerous precedent" for Iraq's security and sovereignty and demanded a formal explanation from Tehran.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's support for Iraq's security, stability and territorial integrity during the call. Both sides agreed that coordination needed to increase to secure the shared border and prevent new security problems.

Sadr Reacts

The attack also drew a response in Iraqi domestic politics.

Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr objected to Iraqi territory being used as the stage for drone strikes, stressing that the country's sovereignty must not be violated.

The fact that the attack directly targeted senior figures in the Kurdistan Region's political and security leadership has fueled debate over its political, not just military, implications.

Ankara Reaches Out to Erbil

Turkey also contacted the Kurdistan Regional Government after the attack.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held phone calls with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

The calls addressed the attack and the security situation in the region.

Rudaw: Attack May Be Part of a Strategic Pressure Campaign

An analysis published by Rudaw and written by Ziryan Rojhelati argued that the incident should be viewed within a broader framework than an isolated drone strike.

The analysis suggested the strike could be part of a wider plan to escalate tensions "gradually and in a controlled manner," test gaps in the Kurdistan Region's air defenses, and build strategic pressure on Erbil.

It highlighted, in particular, the status of Iranian Kurdish opposition parties based in the Kurdistan Region and the possible effects of the PKK's disarmament process on the regional balance of power.

The Hadid-110 Detail

The Hadid-110 drones reportedly used in the strike have become one of the central points of discussion.

According to open-source information cited in Rudaw's analysis, the Hadid-110 is a jet-powered drone system designed for one-way attack missions.

The drones' ability to reach their targets has also raised the possibility that the Kurdistan Region's air defense capacity was being tested.

The Choice of Targets Stands Out

What sets this attack apart from previous ones is the choice of targets.

The Kurdistan Region has repeatedly come under missile and drone attack from Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups before, but this time the strikes directly hit Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's working office and the residence of the head of the region's security and intelligence apparatus.

As a result, the attack is being viewed in Erbil not merely as another security breach, but as a direct message aimed at the Kurdistan Region's political decision-making apparatus.

Competing narratives persist over who is behind the attack: Erbil maintains the drones were launched from Iran, while Tehran condemns the strike, denies responsibility and points to the possibility of a "false-flag operation."

Attention now turns to the findings of the investigative committee formed by Baghdad regarding the drones' origin and launch sites.