The terrible events overnight in Kirkuk are mainly made in Iran. Statement by Jack Lopresti MP, APPG Kurdistan Chairman

The terrible events overnight in Kirkuk are mainly made in Iran. The physical presence of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in the Kirkuk area proves that in spades and even the Iraqi government acknowledges that he is an adviser to the Shia militia. Iranian hardliners are seeking as ever to destabilise and control all around to preserve their malign influence and keep America and its allies diverted. It is supremely ironic that Iranian pawns are able to make use of American battle tanks to attack brave allies of America and Britain. The urgent priority is for the West to intervene to freeze conflict and encourage dialogue so that Erbil and Baghdad can resolve their differences without malevolent Iranian stirring of the pot.