Iraq probes drone strike on Kurdistan PM’s office, as Iran warns of ‘false-flag ploys’

The Iraqi government announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into an overnight drone strike targeting the office of Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Kurdish authorities had previously stated that two drones were launched from Iranian territory, targeting both the Prime Minister’s office and the residence of the head of the region’s Security and Intelligence Agency. Barzani described the attack as a 'dangerous escalation' and a direct threat to regional stability. The Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Directorate reported that the attack involved two 'Hadid-110' explosive-laden drones and resulted in no casualties.

In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that 'nothing justifies the reckless attack on PM Barzani’s office,' urging 'Kurdish friends' to remain vigilant against 'false-flag ploys' intended to sow discord between neighbors. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson further characterized the development as 'highly suspicious.'

This incident occurs against a backdrop of persistent tensions, with the Kurdistan region having faced over 1,000 attacks by Iran and pro-Iran armed groups since the start of the Middle East war. Separately, an explosion at a petroleum depot in eastern Iraqi Kurdistan was reported to have injured 18 people, though the cause remains unspecified.

Under pressure from the United States, Iraq has set a September 30 deadline for pro-Iran armed groups to disarm, coinciding with the conclusion of the US-led anti-jihadist coalition mission. These factions, which have gained significant influence since the 2003 US-led invasion, have long demanded the withdrawal of American troops. Tom Barrack, the US President’s special envoy to Iraq, condemned the attack on Barzani, labeling the aggression 'unacceptable' and a threat to regional stability.