On Thursday, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Major General Kevin J. Lambert, the commander of the U.S.-led Coalition against ISIS, and thanked the Coalition for their continued support.

During the meeting, they discussed the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Middle East, as well as efforts to confront attacks and threats against Kurdistan and counter ISIS terrorists.

Read More: Prime Minister Barzani Thanks Those Who Helped to Protect Kurdistan

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation for the support and assistance of the Coalition forces.

Major General Lambert stressed continued support for the Peshmerga and the Kurdistan Region to preserve security and stability and confront current challenges.

Earlier today, Major General Lambert also met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, during which both officials emphasized the necessity of continued cooperation between the Peshmerga, the Iraqi Army, the security forces of Iraq, and Coalition forces, particularly during this critical period, to ensure stability and address challenges.

Another topic addressed was the threat of terrorism and the fight against ISIS, the repercussions of the war on Iraq and the surrounding region, as well as other matters of mutual interest.

The visit of the top Coalition commander comes amid a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning. 

Since the regional conflict began on February 28, the total casualties resulting from attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed groups on the Kurdistan Region has risen to at least 17 people killed and dozens injured.

Read More: President Barzani Hopes Iran-U.S. Ceasefire Leads to Peace

Top Kurdish leaders have welcomed the ceasefire, underlining their hope that it will last.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Barzani thanked all those who supported and helped to protect the Kurdistan Region during the war.

“The attacks on Kurdistan were never justified,” he posted on X. “I hope all attacks on civilians, the Peshmerga, critical infrastructure and diplomatic missions will now end.”

Pakistan will reportedly host talks involving top U.S. and Iranian officials on Saturday.

The U.S.-led Coalition was created in 2014 to fight ISIS after the terrorist group took control over large areas of both Iraq and Syria. ISIS was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019. However, Kurdish leaders have underlined that the group still remains a threat. During the war against ISIS, 2,000 Peshmerga were killed and more than 12,000 were wounded.

In September 2024, Baghdad and Washington agreed to reduce U.S.-led Coalition forces, withdraw from a number of bases in Iraq, and move to a bilateral relationship. 

U.S. forces are expected to remain in the Kurdistan Region until September 2026 to continue to support anti-ISIS operations in Syria.