At a Glance

• The PUK President extended his congratulations and admiration following the historic diplomatic dialogue between the U.S. and Iran in New York.
• Talabani praised the negotiators for demonstrating "wisdom and pragmatism," stating that a lasting bilateral agreement serves as a mutual triumph rather than a compromise.
• The PUK President emphasized that the breakthrough provides a foundation for regional peace, stability, and shared economic prosperity across the Middle East.
• The statement was released as global leaders convene in New York for the high-level United Nations General Assembly session.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), extended his congratulations following a historic diplomatic dialogue between Washington and Tehran in New York, stressing that the world watched the meeting with "profound hope" as both sides demonstrated clear "wisdom and pragmatism" to build lasting regional peace.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• The PUK President stated that, “Today, the world watched with profound hope as representatives of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran met in New York for an extraordinary and historic dialogue.”
• Talabani emphasized that, “For our region, the ripple effects of this moment cannot be overstated. A successful path forward between Washington and Tehran offers the Middle East a genuine foundation for lasting peace, stability, and shared economic prosperity for all our peoples.”
• On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. and Iranian delegations held talks in New York to negotiate regional conflict resolutions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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As world leaders convene in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly session, including representatives from the United States and Iran, PUK President Talabani said in a statement on Wednesday, “I am deeply honored to extend my warmest congratulations and admiration to the leadership and negotiators of both great nations in the name of the Kurdish people.”

He stressed that it takes "immense courage" to bridge decades of division, noting that true statesmanship is defined not by fighting battles, but by daring to build peace, adding, “Both the Iranian and American delegations have shown the world what true champions look like, rising to the occasion with wisdom, pragmatism, and undeniable bravery.”

“A lasting agreement between the United States and Iran is not a compromise of strength, but a mutual triumph. Both nations hold the key to each other’s success in this moment,” he added.

Talabani noted that by working together, both nations possess the power to protect their vital national interests, uphold their dignity, and demonstrate to the world that honor is found in diplomacy.

He emphasized that neither side needs to emerge as a victor over the other; rather, both can walk away as partners in a historic victory for global security.

“The people of the United States, renowned for their spirit of innovation, freedom, and leadership, and the noble people of Iran, heirs to an extraordinary civilization defined by rich culture, resilience, and intellect, deserve a future unburdened by conflict,” he underlined.

Talabani emphasized that fostering a diplomatic breakthrough would ensure that the "immense potential of both societies can be realized in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

“To the leaders and diplomats continuing this vital work: the eyes of the world remain upon you, and our hearts are with you. Move forward with the same determination and courage that brought you to this table. You have already proven that historic change is possible, now, let us fulfill the promise of a peaceful tomorrow. God bless America, God bless the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he concluded his statement.

FYI

The high-level diplomatic engagement takes place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the nearly eight-month-old military conflict between the United States and Iran dominates global discussions.

Tensions had severely escalated over the last month as both nations traded fresh military strikes amid a volatile standoff for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint in the global oil market.

Following the breakdown of a short-lived June ceasefire memorandum of understanding, the sudden three-hour mediated dialogue in New York, facilitated by Qatari diplomats shuttling between delegations, marks the first significant diplomatic movement to end the conflict, address shipping blockades, and negotiate regional conflict resolutions.

Throughout the duration of the geopolitical crisis and hostilities, which significantly impacted civilian populations and economic infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region as well, PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani has maintained an active diplomatic role, engaging with top leadership in both Washington and Tehran to urge de-escalation.

Talabani has firmly maintained a policy of Kurdish neutrality, consistently engaging with top leadership in both Washington and Tehran to prevent the Kurdistan Region and Iraq from becoming a battleground.

He urged Kurdish parties to unite in the face of these challenges and emphasized that the Kurdistan Region will no longer be the "tip of the spear" or "a battlefield," but rather serve as a "bridge" for diplomatic initiatives.

Just days prior to the UN General Assembly, Talabani traveled to Tehran to meet directly with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei, consistently emphasizing that regional stability requires "peaceful solutions and ongoing dialogue" rather than armed confrontation.'

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