Secretary Rubio's Call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani

State Dept Press Releases

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of Secretary Rubio's call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani. The Secretary offered condolences for Peshmerga killed in an Iranian missile attack, condemned Iran's actions, and expressed gratitude for Kurdistan's role in oil exports.

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This document is a readout from the U.S. Department of State detailing a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on March 26, 2026. Secretary Rubio offered condolences for Peshmerga forces killed in an Iranian missile attack on March 24, condemned continued attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned militias against U.S. interests in Iraq, and thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government for facilitating oil exports from Iraq.

This is a foreign policy statement and does not impose new regulatory obligations on any entities. Compliance officers should note the U.S. government's stance on regional security and energy infrastructure in Iraq and Iran, particularly concerning Iranian aggression and the importance of Kurdistan's role in global energy markets.

Source document (simplified)

Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases Secretary Rubio’s Call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

March 26, 2026

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The Secretary offered his condolences to the families of the Peshmerga killed in an Iranian missile attack on March 24 and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Secretary strongly condemned the continued attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned Iraqi terrorist militias against U.S. citizens and energy infrastructure across Iraq. The Secretary also expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for enabling oil from Iraq, including from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to reach global markets.