ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - President Masoud Barzani on Thursday held a phone call with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, with the pair discussing attacks on the Kurdistan Region by pro-Iran groups and Barrack reaffirming Washington's support for Erbil.  

"Mr. Barrack conveyed President Donald Trump’s greetings to President Barzani and thanked him for his wise leadership in leading the region and protecting its stability, security, and developments," read a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

He reaffirmed that the United States continues to view the Kurdistan Region as an ally and friend and said Washington will maintain close coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), with Barzani in turn thanking Trump and expressed his respect and gratitude, while also praising Barrack’s “constructive and influential role.”.

According to the statement, Barzani briefed the US diplomat on what he described as “outrageous attacks” targeting the Kurdistan Region by some outlawed armed groups.

Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have been repeatedly targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes, with US military bases and diplomatic facilities proving attractive targets for both Tehran and pro-Iran militias operating in the country.

The unchecked activities of such factions has long been a criticism directed from Erbil toward Baghdad, with President Masoud Barzani having previously warned that the Kurdistan Region’s "patience has limits."

"Further, President Barzani underscored that the Kurdistan Region is always part of the solution and never been or will be part of any problem," the statement continued.

Barrack also stressed the importance of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as key pillars in the region, particularly under the current complex circumstances.

"Both sides agreed on the importance of keeping the Kurdistan Region and Iraq away from the ongoing conflict and ensuring their protection and stability," the statement concluded.

The pair previously worked closely to facilitate the bringing about of a ceasefire in Rojava (northeast Syria) following a Syrian military campaign into territory administered by Kurdish-led forces.