Iraq summons Iran explanation after drone strike on Barzani office in Erbil

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein asked his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Friday for an official explanation of a drone strike that targeted the residence and office of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Erbil. The strike was carried out using a "Hadid 110" type unmanned aerial vehicle, according to Iraqi officials. Hussein told Araghchi in a phone call that previous Iranian strikes had been justified by the presence of anti-Iranian groups in the region, but said that targeting the office of the regional prime minister represented a dangerous escalation. He warned that the attacks would carry security and political consequences. Araghchi said that relations between Tehran and the Erbil-based administration were positive and that Iran would oppose any steps that increased tension, Hussein added. The Iranian foreign minister said his government would issue an official statement clarifying its position.