Deadly Threat Beyond Borders; Islamic Republic Policies Threaten Neighbors’ Lives

The deadly threat from the Islamic Republic has crossed borders and is now directly endangering the lives of civilians and refugees in neighboring countries.

Amid ongoing regional tensions and just days after a ceasefire was announced, drone attacks by Iranian military forces on border areas of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region once again revealed concerning dimensions of the Islamic Republic’s cross-border policies; policies that, according to critics, pose a serious and active threat not only to citizens within the country but also to residents of neighboring nations.

In one of these attacks, “Ghazal Molan,” a young member of the Komala party, was severely wounded and died hours later. What makes this incident particularly shocking is not only the attack itself, but a chain of events that led to his death; from drone strikes to the refusal of medical centers to provide timely treatment.

According to published reports, this person was transferred to several medical centers in the initial hours after being wounded, but citing the possibility of continued attacks, was denied immediate medical services. In this regard, it has been emphasized: “No security or political consideration can deprive the vital priority of ‘the right to health’ and ‘the right to life’ in these circumstances.”

This incident can be examined from two perspectives; first, a military attack on another country’s territory that directly contradicts fundamental principles of international law, and second, its humanitarian consequences that have even affected the host country’s medical system.

Legal experts believe that repeated attacks on Kurdistan Region are a clear example of violation of the principle of non-use of force and infringement on Iraq’s national sovereignty. At the same time, the creation of an atmosphere of fear and insecurity to such an extent that even medical centers hesitate in performing their primary duties constitutes a serious violation of patients’ rights.

What is most concerning in this context is the expanding scope of threats. Attacks that target specific groups in practice affect the entire region; from political refugees to ordinary citizens and even medical staff.

Statistics released by human rights organizations show that in recent months, dozens of attacks have occurred on areas where Kurdish groups are based in Iraqi territory, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. This process presents a picture of a recurring pattern in which geographical borders are effectively ignored.

In such circumstances, the fundamental question is: who bears the responsibility for protecting human lives, particularly refugees and political activists? The host government, the international community, or the perpetrators of these attacks?

Human rights organizations have warned that the continuation of this situation could turn Kurdistan Region into a scene for proxy conflicts; a situation that calls into question not only the region’s security but also the credibility of the international law system.

The recent incident is not merely an event, but a sign of a broader process: “the expansion of insecurity from within Iran’s borders to outside and its transformation into a regional threat.”

When military operations are extended into other countries’ territories and their consequences reach hospitals and civilians, one can no longer speak of a domestic crisis. This situation clearly demonstrates that the consequences of the Islamic Republic’s policies have now crossed borders and endangered human lives throughout the region.