Former US diplomat says Barzani holds rare trust in both Washington and Tehran

WASHINGTON, United States — Thomas Warrick, a former US State Department official responsible for Iraq political affairs, said Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani holds a rare level of trust in both Washington and Tehran. In remarks reported Tuesday, Warrick said other regional mediation efforts have reached a deadlock and that the United States relies on Barzani's neutrality and his deep familiarity with Iranian decision-makers. He added that Tehran views the Kurdish premier similarly because of his knowledge of Washington and the US decision-making process. A US-based outlet reported on August 16 that the Trump administration had selected Barzani to establish a direct communication channel with Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contacted Barzani on May 10. Warrick said bringing a fresh perspective could be useful compared with efforts by Gulf states and Pakistan, but expressed doubt that the conflict would end before the November 3 US midterm elections. Warrick did not provide further details on the reported channel, and no immediate comment was available from Barzani's office or the governments named in the report.