PUK President’s Iran Visit Draws Wide Coverage in Iranian Media

P.U.K 02:55 PM - 2026-09-16

Iranian media cover PUK President’s visit to the country.

The visit of Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), to Iran has received significant coverage in Iranian newspapers and news agencies, which highlighted the importance of the visit and his meetings with senior Iranian officials.

During the meetings, President Bafel reiterated the PUK’s position that regional issues should be addressed through peaceful solutions and continued dialogue, while stressing the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and security ties between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and Iran. Iranian officials, in turn, expressed appreciation for the role of President Bafel and the PUK in supporting stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. 

Defa Press News Agency: Bafel Jalal Talabani’s Visit Followed an Iranian Invitation

Defa Press published a report on President Bafel’s visit to Tehran, citing Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Baghaei stated that President Bafel’s visit was at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and formed part of Iran’s ongoing consultations with the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region aimed at expanding bilateral relations and promoting peace and stability in the region.

Baghaei added that President Bafel would meet with senior Iranian officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, including economic cooperation and border security. 

Tabnak Newspaper: Iran Seeks to Strengthen Ties with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq

Tabnak reported Bafel Jalal Talabani’s meeting with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, where they discussed current issues.

During the meeting, Ghalibaf stressed the importance of maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries across economic, political, and security fields, including relations with the Kurdistan Region.

According to Tabnak, he also referred to attempts during the 40-day war to use the Kurdistan Region’s territory against Iran, saying that these efforts had been thwarted and that Iran should further develop its security and economic ties with the Region.

ISNA News Agency: Border Security and Economic Cooperation High on the Agenda

ISNA highlighted President Bafel’s visit under the headline, “Bafel Talabani in Tehran: Border Security and Economic Cooperation High on the Agenda for Consultations with Iran.”

According to the report, talks with Iranian officials focused on relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region, political and security developments in Iraq and the wider region, and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Donya-e-Eqtesad: The Kurdistan Region Holds Strategic Importance for Iran

Donya-e-Eqtesad highlighted the strategic importance of the PUK and the Kurdistan Region for Iran, noting that the region’s geographical location and shared border with Iran make it an important transit route for Iran’s economic and trade exchanges with the Iraqi market.

The newspaper stressed the importance of border stability and maintaining trade flows through border crossings, both to meet the needs of the regional market and to support Iran’s access to a nearby market.

Manshour Eqtesad: Economic and Trade Cooperation Central to Discussions

Manshour Eqtesad reported that President Bafel’s visit took place about a month after a telephone consultation between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the PUK President concerning bilateral relations and regional developments.

The newspaper added that, alongside security issues, expanding economic and trade cooperation remained an important focus for Tehran and the PUK.

ANA News Agency: Bilateral Cooperation Under Discussion

According to the ANA News Agency, President Bafel Talabani exchanged views with senior Iranian officials on matters of mutual interest, particularly border security and economic cooperation.

Jam-e Kurdi: The Kurdistan Region Respects the Security and Sovereignty of Neighbouring Countries

Jam-e Kurdi highlighted President Bafel’s reiteration of the PUK’s continued efforts to promote peace and de-escalate tensions, noting that regional problems require peaceful solutions and continued dialogue.

President Bafel also stressed that the Kurdistan Region respects the security and sovereignty of neighbouring countries and shares a long-standing historical relationship with the Iranian people. 

IRNA: Iran Appreciates the Role of the PUK

IRNA reported that President Bafel’s visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation, and enhancing border security. It also reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed appreciation for the efforts of President Bafel and the PUK to support stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. 

On 15 September 2026, President Bafel Jalal Talabani arrived in Tehran, leading a senior PUK delegation. During his visit, he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Dr Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior Advisor to the Supreme Leader for International Affairs. Discussions covered political and security developments in the region, efforts to maintain stability, the protection of mutual interests, good-neighbourly relations, and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. 


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