Talabani Says Iran Denied Involvement in Khor Mor Attack, Outlines Non-Profit Energy Project

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Jalal Talabani said on Thursday that Iran had denied responsibility for the attack on the Khor Mor gas field, describing his latest visit to Tehran as "very good."

Speaking at the Sulaymaniyah Strategic Forum, Talabani said the Kurdistan Region continues to operate under two separate administrations and governing systems. He also stressed that his party was not relying on financial assistance from the regional government.

Talabani criticised the Kurdistan Democratic Party's handling of negotiations with Baghdad, describing its approach as misguided, while characterising developments in the Kurdistan Parliament as a major breakdown.

On energy policy, he announced plans to establish a non-profit project focused on electricity and natural resources. Addressing defence capabilities, he said that if Baghdad could not provide a defence system, the region should consider establishing one independently.

had told him Tehran was not responsible for the Khor Mor attack. He also said they had come to recognise the need for changes within Iran.

He concluded by saying he maintains close friendships with officials and counterparts in the United States, Britain and Iran.