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Iran is emerging stronger from war, Iraqi Kurdish leader says
Bafel Talabani, leader of Iraq’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, said Iran is emerging “stronger, but different” from the US-Israeli war and urged Washington to engage with Tehran through dialogue. His comments challenge US administration claims that Iran is close to economic collapse and come as relations between the PUK and Iran have faced strain over Kurdish opposition groups.
Talabani said a recent visit to Iran showed him restaurants full of young people and fewer than half of women and girls wearing headscarves. He said Iran had assured him it was not behind a drone strike on the Khor Mor gas field, which has left almost 70 per cent of Iraqi Kurdistan without normal power supplies, and called for a serious investigation. He also said the region needs air defence systems, while its political crisis has deepened after the PUK withdrew from parliament.
In short
- Talabani says Iran is emerging stronger, but changed, from the war.
- He urges the US to pursue dialogue with Tehran.
- A strike on Khor Mor has disrupted power across Iraqi Kurdistan.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Talabani’s account suggests Iran may retain social resilience and political capacity despite the war, so claims that it is nearing economic collapse could be overstated. Dialogue with Tehran could reduce the risk of further conflict, while an independent investigation into the Khor Mor strike and better air defences would help protect Iraqi Kurdistan amid uncertainty about responsibility.
The case against
A visit offering a limited snapshot of urban life cannot establish Iran’s wider economic or military condition, and visible social activity does not rule out severe strain. Given the conflict and regional security risks, Washington may argue that engagement should not replace pressure or caution until Iran’s capabilities and role in incidents such as the Khor Mor strike are more clearly assessed.