The United States inaugurated its largest consulate in the world in Erbil on December 3, 2025, marking a historic milestone in U.S.–Kurdistan relations and reinforcing Washington’s long-term commitment to the Kurdistan Region’s stability, security, and economic future.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas led the ceremony, joined by KDP President Masoud Barzani, KRI President Nechirvan Barzani, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and senior Iraqi and Kurdish officials. Built on a 206,000-square-meter site, the new consulate is the most visible symbol to date of the expanding partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
Rigas thanked Kurdish leaders and the people of the Kurdistan Region for what he called a “generous gift of land,” describing the new facility as “a testament to the value of the relationship between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.” He emphasized that the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, is dedicated to supporting stability and prosperity in Iraq and views the Kurdistan Region as a critical pillar of that strategy.
Rigas praised the Kurdistan Region as an “effective, capable security partner and trusted voice,” underscoring that a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region remains essential to U.S. policy in Iraq. He also issued a clear call for dismantling Iran-aligned militias that continue to destabilize the region and recently targeted the Khor Mor gas field, stressing that such attacks threaten both American investments and regional security.
Strengthening Economic Partnership
The Deputy Secretary highlighted the administration’s focus on deepening economic ties, calling the Kurdistan Region a dynamic entry point to Iraq’s markets. Recent milestones include major contracts with U.S. firms, significant American investment in key energy sites such as Khor Mor, and the first-ever U.S. government–sponsored trade delegation to Erbil, which included top American companies like Google, IBM, Visa, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola.
He commended the KRG for helping reopen the Iraq–Turkey oil pipeline, calling it a vital step for energy independence and a direct benefit to American and Iraqi partners.
Meetings with Kurdish Leadership
During his visit, Rigas met with President Masoud Barzani to discuss the successful Iraqi parliamentary elections, regional developments, and the future of U.S.–Kurdistan cooperation. President Barzani reflected on the historic role of the United States in protecting the Kurdistan Region, particularly in establishing the no-fly zone in the 1990s, and expressed gratitude for U.S. support in the fight against ISIS.
He reaffirmed that strong U.S.–Kurdistan ties remain essential to the Region’s ongoing progress and stability.
A Long-Term Commitment
KRG Representative to the United States Treefa Aziz welcomed the opening of the new consulate, describing it as “a strong and clear reflection of the long-standing partnership” between Erbil and Washington and “a vote of confidence” in the Kurdistan Region. Aziz noted that the facility will deepen cooperation not only in security and counterterrorism but also in investment, education, and people-to-people connections.
With its inauguration, the United States has made one of the clearest statements yet about its enduring presence in the Kurdistan Region. As Rigas said in closing, “The building we inaugurate today is a physical symbol of America’s long-term partnership with Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.”
