Iran’s Araghchi Warns Of “False-Flag” Ploys After Drone Attack In Erbil

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned against alleged "false-flag ploys" aimed at creating tensions between Iran and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region following a reported drone attack in the area. Araghchi issued the warning on social media on Monday, hours after reports that drones targeted the private office of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of a senior regional security official.

Araghchi condemned the reported attack and urged Kurdish officials to remain vigilant against attempts to damage relations between neighbouring countries. "Nothing justifies the reckless attack on PM Barzani's office," he wrote, while warning that such incidents could be intended to sow discord between Iran and Iraq's Kurdistan region. He did not directly acknowledge Iranian responsibility for the attack.

The Iranian foreign minister also discussed the incident with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein during a phone call on Monday. Araghchi reiterated Iran's stated support for Iraq's security, stability and territorial integrity and urged vigilance against acts of terrorism and other developments that could harm relations between the two countries. The ministers also stressed the importance of maintaining security along their shared border.

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Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government Directorate General of Counter-Terrorism said two "Hadid-110" drones had been launched from the Iranian side of the border. No casualties were reported in the incident, according to the regional security authorities. The reported location of the launch and the nature of the attack have added to tensions surrounding security along the Iran-Iraq border.

Barzani separately posted that an investigation had determined that his personal office and the home of the head of the regional Security and Intelligence Agency had been targeted by what he described as Iranian drone attacks. He condemned the incident as a direct threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan region. The differing statements over responsibility have added to the sensitivity of the incident between Iran, Iraq and the Kurdish authorities.

Both sides have stressed the need for greater coordination to prevent further insecurity along the common border. Araghchi's warning about possible "false-flag" operations reflects Tehran's concern that the attack could be used to create friction between Iran and its Iraqi neighbours. Further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the drone strikes and determine responsibility.

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