Kurdistan-Iran ties strong before, during and after Trump: Iranian consul to Erbil

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The ties between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be affected by the policies of United States President Donald Trump’s taking office, the Iranian Consul General to Erbil told Rudaw in a recent interview. Faramaz Asadi stressed on Sunday that before Trump’s tenure, during it or after it, “relations between the people of the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran will persist.”

He also touched on a range of other issues, including the security agreement between Iran and Iraq. 

“Our borders are shared, they are not just for one country, their use, economy and security are for both sides, and both sides have responsibilities towards each other. There have been some [irregular] activities along the borders that naturally all three sides - the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, and Tehran - agreed to form a committee to maintain security along shared borders,” said the diplomat. 

“The committee has been formed. It has held several meetings and some of the agreements [struck] have been implemented, while others are proceeding slowly,” he added. 

The following is the full transcript of the interview with Asadi.

Rudaw: Thank you very much, Mr. Faramarz Asadi. Let me begin with a question about the revolution. Today is the anniversary of Iran's [1979] Islamic revolution, which certainly had a set of goals during the past 46 years. To what extent have these goals been achieved, and what remains to be fulfilled?

Faramaz Asadi: In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Before starting, I would like to extend my greetings, respect, and honor to the loyal, hospitable, and lovely people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and to express my appreciation to the staff and respected Chief Executive Officer of the successful Rudaw Media Network. It is not possible to discuss all the achievements and successes of the Islamic Revolution in one sitting. If you've noticed, during that time people were resisting and protesting in the streets. The first slogan they raised was “independence and freedom" which they achieved on February 10, 1979. Our most important goals were independence and freedom, both internally and externally.

Before the republic [was established], Iran was a country with a leader who was subservient to external powers. Others were deciding on behalf of the Iranian nation. The meaning of the word “Iran” is the place of brave men or people. These noble and brave people [of Iran] have endured a lot for many years. Our elders had engaged with the former [Iranian] regime about how some principles didn't align with Iranian principles. They wanted the government to resolve issues, problems, obstacles, and dependencies [on other powers], but because the government didn’t, the people of Iran took to the streets and emerged as victors. The Islamic Revolution of Iran succeeded. At a time when the world was bipolar - [divided into] East and West, the United States and the Soviet Union - the Iranian people chanted "Neither East nor West," as they wanted to be independent from both.

On this day [February 10] 46 years ago and until today, the [Iranian people] have had this independence in all fields and sectors. Since the victory of the revolution, our enemies have exerted so much effort into, and openly expressed their desire to overthrow the revolution. In these 46 years, they [enemies] have not spared a night without plotting against the Iranian people. All governments, especially the US, have sought to overthrow this [Iranian] establishment and the sacred system of the Islamic Republic. Thanks to Allah and the very successful administration of the Supreme Leader [Ali Khamenei] and [the late leader of Iran’s revolution] Imam [Ruhollah] Khomeini, they haven't succeeded. Instead, this establishment has become more successful day by day and across all sectors, including industrial and scientific fields.

Well, you highlighted an important topic related to freedom, saying that the people of Iran were free, and there is even a square in Tehran called Freedom [Azadi] Square. What is the level of freedom in Iran nowadays?

Freedom in the Islamic Republic of Iran exists within the framework of the constitution which over 98 percent of Iranians endorsed, and within the framework of Islamic religion and the Iranian identity. 

How are the relations among the people of Iran, especially since all of Iran’s constituents participated in the Islamic Revolution?

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, today and throughout history, we’ve had followers of all divine [Abrahamic] religions - Christians, Jews, Muslims as well as Zoroastrians and other [religious groups]. We additionally have ten ethnicities in Iran, seven of which are larger. One of these ethnicities is the Kurdish ethnicity. When we review the recognized ethnicities in Iran, the Kurdish ethnicity is the third in size after the Lur. All ethnicities, religions, and sects have lived together in brotherhood with sincerity for thousands of years and continue to do so. Although there are limited numbers of people who oppose every government, and in the Islamic Republic, these people aren’t many.

Very well, there have always been relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and many Kurdish leaders have praised these ties. After the visit of the respected President of Iran to Iraq and to the Kurdistan Region, what level have these relations reached, and has more work been done to boost them further?

The relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurds from the day after February 10, [1979] and onwards has been very strong and intertwined. Of course, this relationship existed before the Islamic Revolution, and you can be sure that we are destined to preserve this relationship for hundreds more years because our commonalities and connections are so extensive that perhaps no government, no mischief, no plot and no sedition can ever separate these two nations. Since then, we have always had a mutual relationship with our Kurdish brothers in the Kurdistan Region. There have been mutual benefits, ties,and services. There have been instances when our common enemies have tried to create coldness between us, but those in charge in both the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran, have handled the issue in such a way that, in the past year alone, the president and foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran have visited the Kurdistan Region, and such visits will continue.

On the other hand, the respected leadership of the Kurdistan Region - the president of the [Kurdistan Regional] Government, the prime minister, the government, ministers and parties have weekly and monthly visits. Relations are very cordial and strong. 

I wanted to ask you about the different sectors such as trade, culture, heritage, and security, but something just caught my attention. You use the term 'Kurdistan Region.' I believe that among neighboring countries, Iran very explicitly names this region as the 'Kurdistan Region.' Why is it that Iran, unlike other countries, uses the naming 'Kurdistan Region' while others might refer to it as the “Region” or “Northern Iraq”?

This is because we see Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Region, and the Kurdish people as Iran’s cultural extension. They are dear to us and we respect them dearly. Unlike other countries which refer to [the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish people] as Kurds, we don't have that view. We have a Kurdistan province within Iran as well. In Tehran, we have the Kurdistan Highway. Culturally and socially, the Kurdish people are our own people. A large portion of our population is Kurdish, and I myself am Kurdish. We take pride in being Kurdish and are proud that part of our people are Kurdish. We regard the Kurdistan Region as an extension and continuation of our own people, and our view of the Kurdistan Region is not like that of others.

How much does Tehran want the trade exchange between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran to reach this year? 

I have met with the leaders of the Kurdistan Region and held discussions with them. I've spoken with both government and party officials. The Islamic Republic of Iran is keen on enhancing ties in all fields and economy is no exception. In fact, the economy is a very important and top priority for us. Our brothers and respected officials in the Kurdistan Region, our political brothers, the political elites, government and party officials have expressed interest in this approach, and they too have expressed keenness to enhance these ties. God willing, both sides are looking to strengthen these relations further, and whatever the [trade exchange] volume is, even if acceptable, it is not satisfactory.

The Islamic Republic of Iran participates in many international trade exhibitions in Erbil and maybe even more in Sulaimani. Could Iran hold a state trade exhibition in Erbil? Is that plan on the agenda?

Definitely, yes, God willing, you will see large exhibitions after Newroz. From the second month of 1404 [ between April and May 2025], you will definitely witness large exhibitions being held in the [Kurdistan] Region. We are doing [the needed] consultations in that regard. In fact, one of my important meetings, which was among the first meetings I had, was with Erbil’s Chamber of Commerce, where we made agreements. God willing, we will work together with the [the administrations of Iranian] provinces [bordering the Kurdistan Region], Tehran and all of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s [provinces] to participate in each other's exhibitions, invite friends, and come here independently to work.

Regarding travel movement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region, it is non-stop. People from the Kurdistan Region say that the facilitations made for Iranian citizens by the KRG should be reciprocated by the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Citizens from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region should be extended similar facilitations. For example, when a traveler drives his own car [across the border] to Iran, they must pay a fee of around $250. Will you be working with the government in Tehran to reduce this amount?

In Iran there are various organizations that handle different issues and this specific matter is handled by the Iranian customs. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, there are laws that are approved annually, even for our own people's exit. For example, if an Iranian enters the Kurdistan Region once this year, they have symbolic exit fees. The second time they travel to the Region, the fees increase and so on. But for Iraqi people or the brothers who come from the Kurdistan Region or families who visit, this fee is fixed. Regarding cars, I think it's a global issue that we need to follow up on with the Iranian customs and the border provinces where cars transit and get temporary import permits.

Will your efforts include working to reduce [the fees]?

I can't make any promises today about whether or not we can reduce it, but we can follow up on the matter. We can ask and see what the conditions are like, but I believe the fees stand at $250.

I've heard that it is, but I personally haven’t gone [to Iran by car]

Yes, you can travel across Iran with your car not just once, you can go four or five times a year. I don't think the fees are a large amount these days for business people and merchants, who want to drive their own car from here to Mashhad, Shiraz or Yazd. The fee is not even equal to the cost of one flight ticket from, say, Erbil to Tehran and back. With their own cars, they can travel around Iran for a month, pay $250, and visit multiple times.

Some people pay the fee but only visit once. The governors of Erbil, Sulaimani, Sanandaj and Urmia previously decided to hold meetings with the district administrators of [Iranian] border provinces at least once every three months to evaluate the situation. However this effort faces problems sometimes or gets delayed and doesn't happen at all. What role will you play in that regard?

To be honest with you, [relevant parties from] both sides are quite preoccupied with executive issues, work matters, and other things which may act as hindrances. They may not be able to meet every three months. But before I came here, I spoke to the governors [of Iranian border provinces]. Today, I can tell you that the governors of Kurdistan and Kermanshah [provinces], are keen on, and competing even, to hosting meetings with governors of the Kurdistan Region’s provinces that are on the borders with Iran. Each of them is requesting to hold this meeting in their own province. In fact, we said this meeting should be held after the new year [Newroz] or the holy month of Ramadan. Both provinces, Kermanshah and Kurdistan, are requesting to host it because the Urmia meeting has been held, the West Azerbaijan and Erbil meetings have also been held, now it's the turn of one of the Iranian provinces, so both [Kermanshah and Kurdistan] provinces are requesting it.

Sometimes there are complaints that the border crossings are closed from the Iranian side during heavy rain and snow, while traditionally they should only be closed except during Newroz, Eid al-Adha, and Ramadan holidays. Why isn't there more facilitation in that regard? Even during heavy rain and snow, shouldn't the gates remain open and not be closed?

Look, whatever is decided, be sure it's for people's own safety. You know the border [is packed] with heavy vehicles, trailers, and tankers, very heavy-duty vehicles. When there is ice, rain and snow, the mountain roads become dangerous both for these [vehicles] as well as for other vehicles and people. Sometimes, even within our country, between two cities, when it rains or snows, until the road is cleared - whether it takes a day, several hours, or a night - we close the road during the dangerous period until it dries and is cleared of snow. Certainly on these roads, because there is heavy vehicle traffic, it's dangerous. These incidents happen during ice and snow. So, kindly note that Iran does this to safeguard people's lives and the lives of drivers and people of the Region. It’s for people's own good.

On the topic of borders as well, but this time regarding border security, there is a border security agreement between Iran and Iraq, which includes the Kurdistan Region. Is the agreement that all three parties have made proceeding as planned?

Well, our borders are shared, they are not just for one country, their use, economy and security are for both sides, and both sides have responsibilities towards each other. There have been some [irregular] activities along the borders that naturally all three sides - the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, and Tehran - agreed to form a committee to maintain security along shared borders. The committee has been formed. It has held several meetings and some of the agreements [struck] have been implemented, while others are proceeding slowly. It's very, very natural that the Islamic Republic of Iran is pursuing and following up until the finalization of the agreement we struck between the two countries, Iran and Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, regarding these borders that we're concerned about, in part the borders of the Kurdistan Region. Naturally, many meetings have been held in Erbil and these meetings will continue. It's not like they are going to stop, they will continue until [we reach] the end result.

Are your concerns [regarding border security] many?

Yes, security is crucial to us. If something happens to one person, just one of our people, or one of our officers, even maintaining the psychological security [of persons] is important for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Why? Because some have responsibility for this. Everyone in that situation must fulfill their own responsibility so that people feel safe and reassured.

Do you believe these concerns will be easily resolved and alleviated?

100 percent. How has it been until now? God willing, it will continue to be so after this.

Until now, what percentage of the agreement has been implemented?

Step by step, two or three phases [of the agreement] have been completed very well. Although I'm not a member of the [concerned] committee and don't have precise information, from what I'm following, three or four phases have been completed successfully. We're in the final two or three phases, which will certainly be completed, however both the [Kurdistan] Region and Iraq are under external pressure, and we understand that too. We're pursuing this to reach a final result in a friendly, brotherly manner.

Let's get off the topic of the borders for a bit. Iran has for a very long time played a role between the [Patriotic Union of Kurdistan] PUK and [Kurdistan Democratic Party] KDP, in the Kurdistan Regional Government and its formation, in the past and today. What role is Iran playing in bringing the PUK and KDP closer to form the [upcoming] government, the tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Region? What role have you played in this regard?

First of all, thank God, the leaders of the Region, and specifically the two major parties who have deep roots and social capital in the Kurdistan Region - the Patriotic Union and the [Kurdistan Democratic] Party - themselves fully understand and manage all affairs. We, as the third brother - we have always supported these two brothers. If you review our history, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always said, both before the establishment of the Region, after and today, the brotherly advice of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been [to work towards] unity in the Kurdistan Region. Ask the elders, the elites, the Kurdish leaders where was the Kurdish Front formed? How was the Kurdistan Front formed? How were the many agreements between the Union [PUK] and the Party [ KDP], and the agreements between the Kurds and Baghdad struck? All of these came into fruition with that benevolent, brotherly, and caring view of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today as well, if our Union [PUK] and Party [KDP] brothers, listen to our advice, we say that these two must unite to form a government together, and naturally, the smaller parties should also help these major parties in this direction. [They should] not create challenges, because every day you have challenges, you fall behind one day in your program of serving the people. Therefore, if the government is formed sooner, this government can plan sooner for its service programs to the people and, God willing, reach its final goals of serving the people.

You said “if the PUK and KDP listen to us.” Do they listen to you?

I respect the leaders of the Union [PUK] and the Party [KDP]. They have always respected the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in return, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always revered these friends. We have been friends and brothers working together for 46 years, and it's very, very, very natural that these two brothers who have worked together, both at the level of the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi arena, sometimes have different opinions and inclinations. This has always been the case. This exists within the Islamic Republic too, within families even, and in the Kurdistan Region as well - it is only natural that your views, programs, and demands would be different from your brother's in any case. This issue exists between the PUK and the Party [KDP]. However, these differences have reached an extent that left the two [PUK, KDP] unable to work together. They've always had differences. These two [parties] have never been without differences, but even with differences, they've always worked together for their overall Kurdish goals. 

Regarding Iran's role in culture and civilization, as Iran itself is an empire in this regard, and the people of the Kurdistan Region are often influenced by Iranian culture, what is your role in giving importance to the cultural aspect in the Kurdistan Region? What have you done for the people?

Praise be to God, when I go to meetings here, most friends and leaders from the [Kurdistan] Region, government, state, and political parties, they all speak Farsi. And I tell you, if an Iranian person visits any city of the Kurdistan Region for the first time, they might feel homesick for a day or two, but after that they will be fine as they can pursue their affairs in the Kurdistan Region in their mother tongue. You know better than me that people in the Kurdistan Region, hundreds of them who don't speak a word of Farsi, go to Iran every day, travel Iranian cities and return without facing any difficulty. We want to have a program and strategy to support this issue. We care about our Kurdish brothers, and I tell you, our Kurdish brothers in the Kurdistan Region are also interested in Iranian culture. We have many, many common factors - common human, geographical, historical, cultural and social factors. I requested something from our friends - I don't know if it was broadcast on TV - I said go research the things Kurds from the Kurdistan Region have in common with [Iranians, and the things they have in common with] the rest of the world. Look at the marriages between Kurds, Iranians and other ethnic groups in different countries. Examine the nature of this relationship - after all, marriage is very important, and in many homes in the [Kurdistan Region], you find one of the spouses to be Iranian, and in Iran it's the same thing [you find a Kurdish spouse at every home]. There are many marriages between the two sides and this is obviously not our effort or the government’s effort.  

It's too much, does this mean it should be reduced, or should it continue?

No, no, my point is that commonalities have reached a point where you don't need any program [to build bridges between the two peoples] at all - people have accepted each other, and we're interested in supporting that acceptance further.

Let me ask about the academic level - regarding the [study of] Farsi in the Kurdistan Region’s universities. The number of persons pursuing higher education, I mean - are you satisfied with it?

I myself have spent some time in the Kurdistan Region and I was connected with universities, I was and am in contact with academics and officials. They were very, very interested [in the Farsi language]. In today's market, people need to know Farsi to foster better commercial and business relations, trade, transit and investment. Whether [you are dealing with] Iranian investors in the [Kurdistan] Region or vice versa, it is necessary to have people who speak Farsi in companies and factories with merchants and entrepreneurs. It is natural.

My viewers might ask this question and say, won't this good relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran face problems after the return of Donald Trump to the White House? Won't these ties be affected and or become limited?

The relationship between Kurds and Iran, the Kurdistan Region and Islamic Republic of Iran - the founder of their connection and relationship isn't Mr. Trump or others. Whatever he had under his sleeve and could have done, he has already tried. The Islamic Republic of Iran was at war for eight years with the [toppled] Baath regime. One year before and after [the war], relations [between Iran and Iraq] were severed for ten years, and in those ten years, the relationship between the Kurdish people and Iran was cut off. Family relations and movement between the two sides was blocked when [ousted Iraqi dictator] Saddam Hussein deployed whatever forces and resources he had and placed them at the borders [with Iraq], and Saddam's resources weren't modest, but was this relationship cut off? No! So Trump, after Trump, and before Trump, the relations between the people of the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran will persist. Although they wouldn't mind building a wall between Iran's borders - if they could, they would.

In Kurdish, what is your message for the people of the Kurdistan Region?

I would very much love to tell them in Kurdish, the dear people of the Kurdistan Region, I'm very grateful to them for the several years of hospitality they showed me and thank God our relations are very good. I thank all the people of Kurdistan, especially the Regional Government and the political parties of the Kurdistan Region. They have been very supportive, and God willing, we will remain close in the future. Whether Trump comes or goes, whatever he wants to do, he cannot impact the depth of our relationship.

 

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