During a call between Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed his support for the Kurdistan Region and Peshmerga forces.

U.S. Secretary Rubio also expressed his condolences over the recent loss of the six Peshmerga, who were killed in an Iranian ballistic missile strike on March 24, the KRG readout of the phone call read.

During the call, the KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s call and the continued U.S. support during this critical time.

They also exchanged views on the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government and on economic challenges.According to the U.S. State Department readout, the U.S. 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.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday afternoon visited the wounded Peshmerga at a hospital who were injured in the Iranian ballistic missile attack and instructed the Ministry of Health to provide all necessary treatment and care.

Moreover, the U.S. Secretary Rubio “strongly condemned the continued attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned Iraqi terrorist militias against U.S. citizens and energy infrastructure across Iraq.”

The U.S. Secretary Rubio also expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for enabling oil from Iraq, including from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to reach global markets.

Read More: Kurdistan Greenlights Iraqi Oil Exports Through Ceyhan: PM

On March 17, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani confirmed that the KRG had decided to allow Iraqi oil to flow through the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP) in the interest of the people during this difficult time.

On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack offered condolences to the Kurdistan Region in a phone call with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

"We stand with our Iraqi partners in this difficult moment and express heartfelt condolences to the fallen Peshmerga. Strong leaders and strong partners are critical in this moment," Ambassador Barrack posted on X.