As the United States commemorated the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Kurdistan Regional Government joined Americans in honoring this historic milestone and reflecting on the enduring ideals that have shaped the country’s national story.

July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the United States declared its independence in 1776. The anniversary provided an opportunity not only to recognize America’s history, achievements, and contributions to the world, but also to reflect on the partnerships the United States has built across generations.

For more than three decades, the Kurdistan Region and the United States have built a strong and enduring partnership founded on shared values and common interests. What began in 1991 with U.S.-led humanitarian assistance and protection for the Kurdish people has evolved into a comprehensive relationship encompassing security cooperation, diplomacy, economic engagement, trade and investment, education, cultural exchange, and enduring people-to-people ties. Today, the partnership remains a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Region’s international engagement, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability, democratic governance, and long-term prosperity. 

The Foundations of a Modern Partnership

One of the most consequential chapters in the modern relationship began in 1991. Following the Gulf War, the Iraqi regime violently suppressed a Kurdish uprising, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee toward the mountains and borders of neighboring countries.

In response to the humanitarian emergency, the United States and its international partners launched Operation Provide Comfort. American military and civilian personnel delivered emergency relief to Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq and Türkiye, helping provide food, shelter, medical assistance, and logistical support during a period of immense suffering.

In the political environment that followed the Gulf War, Iraqi Kurdish self-government began to take shape. Elections were held in 1992, and Kurdish political parties formed a regional administration in the areas under their control. These institutions became the foundation of the modern Kurdistan Regional Government.

The events of 1991 remain deeply significant in the collective memory of the Kurdistan Region. For many Kurdish families, the arrival of American and allied assistance represented protection at a moment when their communities faced displacement and uncertainty. It also marked the beginning of a new period of engagement between the people of the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

Cooperation in a Changing Iraq

The U.S.-Kurdistan Region relationship entered a new phase following the removal of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 and the establishment of a new federal, democratic Iraq. The adoption of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution formally recognized the Kurdistan Region as a federal entity and affirmed the constitutional authority of the Kurdistan Regional Government over the territories it administered prior to March 2003. This marked a significant milestone in defining the Kurdistan Region’s legal and political status within the Republic of Iraq.

As Iraq’s political institutions developed, cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the United States expanded well beyond security. Kurdish leaders established regular engagement with successive U.S. administrations, Congress, policy institutions, businesses, universities, and civil society organizations. These partnerships strengthened political dialogue, promoted trade and investment, expanded educational and cultural exchanges, and increased international awareness of the Kurdistan Region’s democratic development, economic opportunities, religious and ethnic diversity, and its history under successive Iraqi regimes.

Standing Together Against ISIS

The partnership faced one of its most difficult tests in 2014, when ISIS captured large areas of Iraq and advanced toward the Kurdistan Region.

The United States returned to Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government and formed an international coalition to support Iraqi forces, including the Peshmerga. American air support, training, intelligence, equipment, and advisory assistance helped the Peshmerga defend the Kurdistan Region and participate in the wider campaign to defeat ISIS.

The campaign also required extraordinary sacrifice from the Peshmerga and other Iraqi security forces. U.S. defense officials have repeatedly recognized the Peshmerga’s role in liberating territory and protecting communities from ISIS. According to the Department of Defense, coalition-supported forces liberated more than 50,000 square kilometers and freed more than 4.5 million Iraqis from ISIS control.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense and the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a formal framework for American assistance to the Peshmerga. The agreement was renewed in 2022 and linked continued U.S. support with reforms intended to professionalize, modernize, and unify the Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

The territorial defeat of ISIS represented a major shared achievement, but counterterrorism cooperation has continued. The United States and the KRG remain committed to preventing the group’s resurgence, improving coordination between the Peshmerga and Iraqi Security Forces, and strengthening institutions capable of protecting communities throughout Iraq.

A Relationship Extending Beyond Security

Although security cooperation has been central to the relationship, U.S.-Kurdistan ties have continued to broaden.

The United States has maintained a diplomatic presence in Erbil since 2007. A U.S. Consulate General was formally opened as part of the expansion of America’s civilian partnership with Iraq, supporting cooperation in governance, economic development, education, and public diplomacy.

In December 2025, the United States inaugurated a major new Consulate General complex in Erbil. Built on a 50-acre site, the facility provides a long-term platform for American diplomatic, commercial, educational, and cultural engagement in the Kurdistan Region.

American companies have invested in the Kurdistan Region’s energy, infrastructure, technology, consumer, and service sectors. Universities and exchange programs have created opportunities for Kurdish and American students, researchers, and professionals. Kurdish Americans have also played an increasingly visible role in public service, business, education, medicine, and community life throughout the United States.

The KRG Representation in Washington and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil embody the relationship from opposite sides of the Atlantic. Together, they provide channels through which officials, businesses, educators, civil society organizations, and citizens can build practical and lasting connections.

Celebrating the Past and Building the Future

The relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region has developed through periods of humanitarian crisis, political change, war, reconstruction, and economic growth.

As the United States celebrates 250 years, the Kurdistan Regional Government extends its congratulations to the American people and honors the generations whose service, innovation, and commitment helped build the nation.

The KRG looks forward to continuing its partnership with the United States within the framework of a federal, democratic, and prosperous Iraq. By strengthening security cooperation, expanding economic ties, investing in the next generation, and deepening people-to-people relationships, the United States and the Kurdistan Region can continue building a partnership that serves their shared interests for years to come.