President Barzani Receives President Trump’s Special Envoy for Syrian Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye

On Monday, February 23, 2026, in Pirmam, President Masoud Barzani received Ambassador Tom Barrack, President Trump’s Special Envoy for Syrian Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye. The meeting was also attended by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Ambassador Barrack said he was pleased to meet President Barzani and praised his role in helping prevent the spread of war and violence. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to better understand recent developments in Syria and to support an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Ambassador Barrack added that Iraq could benefit from President Barzani’s wisdom and guidance in addressing its challenges. He reaffirmed that the United States wants a sovereign and independent Iraq and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations and partnership with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

President Barzani, for his part, reviewed the history and struggle of the people of Kurdistan and the crimes and genocide committed against them. He stressed that the people of Kurdistan have consistently sought peace and coexistence and have aimed to resolve issues through non-violent means.

On Iraq, President Barzani underscored that adherence to the constitution and to the principles of partnership, reconciliation, and balance is essential for the country’s progress. He said it is in the Iraqi people’s interest for the constitution to be implemented, for Iraq to remain sovereign and self-determining, and for relations with neighboring states to be based on shared interests, while also respecting the U.S.–Iraq partnership. He emphasized that the next Iraqi government must be committed to the constitution and federalism and called for legislation to address key outstanding issues, including the Oil and Gas Law, Article 140, and other laws necessary to implement federalism within the Iraqi state.

Regarding the Iraqi presidency, President Barzani said that, as the position belongs to the people of Kurdistan, a clear and appropriate mechanism is needed to select a candidate who reflects the will of the people of Kurdistan. As for the post of prime minister, he noted that the Coordination Framework will determine the nominee, stressing that what matters most is that the prime minister be committed to the constitution and to the principles of partnership, balance, and reconciliation.

Internal affairs of the Kurdistan Region and broader regional developments were also discussed. President Barzani expressed hope that regional issues would be resolved peacefully and that the region would remain free from war and violence.