In an exclusive interview with NBC News' Keir Simmons, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has emphasized the urgent need for heightened support from the United States to address escalating challenges in the region.

Prime Minister Barzani underscored the critical importance of bolstering military, political, and economic assistance to effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by Kurdistan. He emphasized that a "strong Kurdistan" requires not only economic resilience and political stability but also robust defense capabilities.

Recent attacks, including Iranian missile strikes resulting in civilian casualties, have intensified concerns and highlighted the pressing need to enhance defense mechanisms, particularly against evolving threats such as drones and missiles.

PM Barzani urged for the provision of air defense systems to counter these evolving threats, stressing the necessity of adapting to the changing security landscape. He emphasized that the current challenges, including the persistent threat of the Islamic State (IS), demand sustained support from the United States.

Despite these challenges, the Kurdish leader affirmed the significance of the American presence in the region, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining stability and security. He reiterated the Kurdistan Region's commitment to cooperating with the United States in addressing shared security concerns.

The interview with Prime Minister Barzani sheds light on the increasingly complex security environment in Kurdistan and the vital role of international support, particularly from the United States, in safeguarding the region's stability and security.