On the occasion of the Kurdish New Year, known as Newroz, senior Kurdish leaders expressed their warm congratulations and called for Kurdish unity amid regional challenges and the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war.

On Friday, March 20, the Newroz fire was lit at the Erbil Citadel in the presence of President Masoud Barzani.

President Masoud Barzani underlined that for Kurds, Newroz has always been a symbol of a new beginning, renewed hope, and victory over oppression and hardship. “As a rich cultural tradition, it has deeply rooted the spirit of perseverance and struggle for freedom and peace in the history of the Kurdish people.

“This year’s Newroz comes at a time of significant change, instability, and tension in our region and the world in general. In this sensitive and historic situation, it is more important than ever for political parties to coordinate and cooperate with one another, and to support the interests, stability, and security of our country.

“I hope this year’s Newroz will mark a new beginning for greater unity and brotherhood among political parties and the beloved people of Kurdistan, and that they will celebrate this and all holidays with joy and prosperity. I also hope that the peoples of the region can live in peace and tranquility, far from war, tension, and unrest.”

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani posted on X that “throughout history, the people of Kurdistan have stood against oppression and never bowed to tyrants.

“On the occasion of Newroz and the Kurdish New Year 2726, I extend my warmest congratulations to all Kurdistanis, especially our heroic Peshmerga, the internal security forces, and the proud families of the martyrs and Anfal victims,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement.

“For the people of Kurdistan, Newroz symbolizes victory, freedom, resistance against tyranny, the arrival of spring, and the beginning of a new life,” he added.

“I thank the people of Kurdistan for their resilience, as unfortunately, due to the unjust and terrorist attacks by outlaw forces and militias, the Kurdistan Region and the lives of its citizens have been confronted with an undesirable situation.

“We reassure the people of Kurdistan that we are using all our capabilities to protect Kurdistan and keep it away from every danger.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also underlined that “Newroz is a symbol of the defeat of darkness and the renewal of life. It stands as a historical truth that no force or weapon can extinguish the fire of freedom in the souls of the Kurds.

“Today, the flame of Newroz serves as a constant reminder for us to remain resilient, confront challenges, and strengthen solidarity and unity. It embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our constitutional accomplishments in the spirit of Newroz, ensuring the preservation of federalism and the political framework of the Kurdistan Region, which are the result of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and our long struggle.

“As we welcome spring and celebrate Newroz this year, our region finds itself in a delicate and complex situation. The threats of war and its repercussions are ever-present. It is essential that we act with a sense of historical responsibility to confront these challenges in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Peace, and the pursuit of it, are among our most significant assets, and it is only through stability that we can build a brighter future.”