Iran drones target Kurdish leaders after US remarks, Washington condemns strike

Iranian drones were reported to have attacked Kurdish political figures in the northern Iraqi region shortly after former President Donald Trump identified the leaders as a key backchannel for U.S. negotiations with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strike, which hit the convoy of the Kurdish regional government’s prime minister, resulted in damage to vehicles but no confirmed fatalities, according to local authorities.

Washington’s State Department issued a statement condemning the use of unmanned aircraft against the Kurdish officials, calling the act “unacceptable” and urging Iran to refrain from further aggression. The United States reiterated its commitment to the safety of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and emphasized that any escalation would be closely monitored.

The Iranian government, through a spokesperson for the IRGC, denied involvement in the drone operation and suggested that the allegations were “baseless” and aimed at inflaming regional tensions. Tehran has repeatedly rejected accusations of direct attacks on Iraqi territory, even as it continues to support proxy forces across the Middle East.

Trump’s earlier comments, made during a press briefing, highlighted the Kurdish leadership’s role in facilitating indirect dialogue between Washington and Tehran, a channel that he described as “crucial” for de‑escalation. Kurdish officials, however, have distanced themselves from any formal backchannel role, insisting that their primary focus remains on regional governance and reconstruction.

The incident adds a new layer of complexity to an already fragile security environment in Iraq’s Kurdish heartland, where the presence of foreign drones has become an increasingly common concern. Analysts warn that miscalculations could spark broader confrontations, urging diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

Original reporting: Times of India.