Trump, Talabani hold phone call on U.S.-Iraq ties

SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— A phone call between PUK party president Bafel Talabani and U.S. President Donald Trump included thanks from the American leader for the role played by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in Iraq, the party’s Political Bureau said on Tuesday, according to PUK media.

The bureau issued a statement after holding a meeting attended by Talabani. It said Trump explained the goals of the United States in the current Iran war and shared his administration’s view of the situation.

During the call, Trump expressed appreciation for the activities of the PUK in Iraq.

Talabani told the bureau that the conversation offered a chance to better understand U.S. objectives and to discuss ways to strengthen partnership between Iraq and the United States. He described the exchange as an opportunity to build joint support for closer ties.

The meeting also covered Talabani’s recent talks with Tom Barrack, special envoy of President Trump, and General Mazloum Abdi.

From right to left: Bafel Talabani, General Mazloum Abdi, Tom Barrack, and Qubad Talabani, in Sulaimani city, Iraqi Kurdistan, February 24, 2026. Photo: Talabani’s Press Office/via iKurd.net

Those discussions focused on ensuring that Syria has a constitutional system that guarantees the rights of all its components. They also underlined the need to carry out the January 29 agreement signed between Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

War developments, clashes and security tensions were another main subject. The statement said the PUK believes that dialogue and a return to the negotiating table remain the best path forward.

It stressed that the protection of citizens’ lives and property in the Kurdistan Region and the defense of Iraq’s sovereignty are top priorities.

Talabani said the party stands ready to use all of its broad and effective relations to promote peace, stability and development in Iraq in particular and the region in general.

The Political Bureau reaffirmed its position in favor of talks and understanding to resolve disputes and said it would continue to follow these issues closely.

Political analyst Henase Karim told iKurd News that the phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Bafel Talabani, along with the earlier meeting between Talabani, Tom Barrack, and General Mazloum Abdi, sends a clear message to the ruling Barzani clan.

Karim said the call sends a clear message that the Barzanis should not view themselves as a monopoly or the only power able to dictate the fate of Syrian Kurds.

She added that it is a significant sign that President Trump has a firm understanding of the corrupt Barzani family and the billions of dollars they are reported to hide in the United States.

Also, she said it is a clear sign that the Talabanis are gaining more respect from Washington.

(With files from PUK media)