In Sulaymaniyah, Bafel Talabani is consolidating power by arresting rivals and facing protests and sabotage allegations ahead of the November 11, 2025, elections.

The bombing of a major gas field in northern Iraq has raised questions about whether Iran is trying to escalate tensions, especially as its influence in the region declines following Hezbollah's defeat and the fall of Assad's regime.

The delay in forming the government of the Kurdistan Region has sparked debate, with reports suggesting Turkiye is seeking to sideline the PUK due to its ties to Iran and the PKK, which Ankara classifies as a terrorist organization.

As opposition factions, with Turkiye's support, succeeded in toppling Assad's regime in Syria, questions arise about whether Iranian-backed militias in Iraq will follow through on threats to supply PKK with drones in retaliation against Ankara's role in Assad’s downfall.

While the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan maintain their hold on the political landscape, significant changes were not aexpected in the Kurdistan Region’s recent elections.