Iraq to probe drone attack on Kurdistan PM office in Erbil

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered a formal investigation on Monday after explosive drones targeted Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's office.

The overnight attack also struck the home of the region's intelligence director in Erbil, prompting regional leaders to accuse Iran of firing the unmanned aircraft across the border.

Why is Iraq to probe the drone attack on the Kurdistan PM's office?

Iraqi authorities launched a formal investigation to determine the exact origin and perpetrators behind the Erbil drone strikes. Two explosive-laden drones hit Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's office and an intelligence chief's home without causing casualties. Federal leaders ordered the investigative committee to publish its findings quickly to protect national sovereignty.

According to Arab News, the Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Directorate confirmed that two Iranian-made Hadid-110 drones crossed the border into northern Iraq. Regional officials condemned the strikes as a dangerous escalation that directly threatens the security and stability of the autonomous territory. Prime Minister Barzani urged federal authorities in Baghdad to fulfill their constitutional duties by holding those responsible accountable.

A separate incident in eastern Iraqi Kurdistan caused an explosion at a petroleum products storage facility, injuring 18 people. Medical officials speaking to Kurdistan24 confirmed that emergency services treated the wounded without registering any fatalities. The blast occurred as local security forces remained on high alert following the earlier drone strikes against government buildings.

How did Iran and international officials respond to the Erbil strikes?

Iranian diplomats denied involvement in the drone strikes and characterized the overnight incident as a suspicious attempt to harm bilateral relations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with his Iraqi counterpart, stating that no evidence proved the drones launched from Iranian soil. Araghchi urged Kurdish leaders to remain cautious regarding potential false-flag operations designed to cause diplomatic friction between neighbors.

United States special envoy Tom Barrack strongly condemned the aggression, calling the strikes an unacceptable threat to broader regional stability. United States fully supports efforts by Baghdad to restore full state sovereignty over armed groups. Iraqi authorities have instructed all pro-Iran armed factions to surrender their weapons to the government by late September.

Regional friction has intensified as autonomous Kurdish institutions face persistent cross-border strikes from neighboring territories. Exiled opposition groups have largely evacuated local bases since regional fighting escalated earlier this year. Central authorities in Baghdad emphasize that safeguarding Kurdish institutions remains vital for maintaining peace across Iraq's northern provinces.