Talabani calls on Erbil to change its policy towards Baghdad and take advantage of al-Zaidi’s “golden opportunity”.

Talabani calls on Erbil to change its policy towards Baghdad and take advantage of al-Zaidi’s “golden opportunity”.

2026-10-12

Shafaq News – Erbil
On Monday, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Jalal Talabani, warned of the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East and its security and economic repercussions on the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, describing the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi as a “golden” opportunity that the regional government should take advantage of by changing its policy of dealing with Baghdad.

During a special dialogue session held on the sidelines of the “Miri” forum in Erbil, Talabani said, “The region is going through dangerous conditions that require preparedness and responsible action, starting with resolving the issue of forming the regional government.” He explained that “the security and economic risks are not limited to a specific region, but their effects extend to the entire world, which necessitates finding radical and urgent solutions.”

The opportunity for peace and the Iranian initiative

The head of the Patriotic Union explained that “the current crises hold great opportunities for the Kurds, foremost among them the peace process in Turkey, which everyone must support to achieve a comprehensive peace,” revealing that “the Iranians have proposed starting a general peace process in the region, and we, for our part, are always ready and prepared to play an active role in calming things down based on our historically balanced relations with various parties.”

The relationship between Baghdad and Erbil

Regarding the relationship with the federal government, Talabani stressed the need for the Kurdish forces to change their policy towards Baghdad, saying: “We have a good prime minister, a businessman who does not practice any discrimination or racism towards the Kurds, and this is a golden opportunity for the regional government that should not be wasted.”

He added, “Iraq today is not as it was in the past; if a weak Iraq in the past represented a reason for a strong Kurdistan, the equation today is completely different, as a stable, rich and united Iraq means a stable, rich and united Kurdistan.”

Kurdistan’s internal affairs and the agreement with “New Generation”

Regarding the internal affairs of the region, Talabani referred to the recent political agreement between the Patriotic Union and the New Generation Movement, describing it as a “positive opportunity” for the Kurdistan Democratic Party before it was for the Union, adding: “The entry of the largest opposition party into the political process is a positive step that should have been welcomed instead of being attacked by the media.”

Regarding the relationship with the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Talabani stressed that the doors of dialogue remain open, noting that “very positive” meetings were held recently between Qubad Talabani and the head of the Democratic Party, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, and emphasizing the complete readiness to coordinate and reach agreements that would spare the Kurdish people from crises and dangers.

American withdrawal and the weapons of the factions

Regarding the issue of the American withdrawal, Talabani commented, “America did not go to Mars, and if it wants to return to Iraq again, it will return with ease.”

Regarding the weapons of the armed factions and the state’s monopoly on weapons, Talabani revealed that these factions “agree in principle to hand over their weapons to the government,” explaining that these factions include religious people and fighters who fought ISIS, and they follow the vision of the religious authority in a way that serves the interest of Iraq.

He pointed out that the success of the arms delivery file “requires coordination and cooperation with Iran, as it cannot be achieved without it,” stressing that the matter is not impossible but it needs patience and time.

Repercussions of the Strait of Hormuz crisis

Talabani warned of the economic risks of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, stressing that it is “a very big crisis and casts a shadow over Iraq, which is mainly dependent on oil,” noting that “no tangible reforms or economic development can be expected unless this crisis is resolved.”

Relations with Türkiye and the regional Kurdish issue

In the area of ​​foreign relations, Talabani described the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s relations with Ankara as “very good,” noting that significant progress had been made in normalizing them.

He added that “Turkey has reached the conviction that the Kurdish issue can be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means,” revealing that talks have been held with the Iranian side to begin a similar process concerning the Kurds of Iran, stressing that “the region faces great dangers that require solidarity and overcoming secondary differences.”

Iranian-American relations: “An opportunity that will not be repeated”

In the context of regional crises, Talabani highlighted the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, describing the current stage as a “crucial and pivotal opportunity,” stressing that “if Iran cannot reach an agreement with the United States this time, it will never reach an agreement with it.”

The head of the National Union added that after his communication and discussions with several Iranian and American officials, he had reached a firm conviction that reaching an agreement was now inevitable, directing the same message to the American side by saying: “If the Americans cannot reach an agreement with President Pezeshkian’s administration and Foreign Minister Araqchi this time, they will never be able to reach an agreement.”

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