President Barzani Receives U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires

Pirmam, September 14, 2026— President Masoud Barzani received Ambassador Steven Fagin, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, on Monday in Pirmam.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fagin expressed his pleasure at returning to Iraq in a new capacity and visiting the Kurdistan Region. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to building on existing cooperation and achieving further progress.

Ambassador Fagin also reiterated U.S. support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in promoting security, stability, and economic development. He emphasized the importance of coordination among all parties to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and strengthen its relations with regional countries and the international community.

Noting that any threat to Iraq’s security poses a threat to all, Ambassador Fagin said that Iraq, together with the Kurdistan Region, can play an effective role in advancing regional stability. He further affirmed U.S. support for an Iraq free from armed militias operating outside state authority, thereby creating the conditions necessary for political and economic stability.

President Barzani warmly welcomed Ambassador Fagin on his return to Iraq and his visit to the Kurdistan Region. He reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region will remain a force for stability and expressed support for the Iraqi Prime Minister’s efforts to consolidate stability, uphold the Constitution, combat terrorism, and address corruption. He also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts in these areas.

Addressing regional developments, President Barzani stressed that peace is always preferable to war, dialogue to confrontation, and mutual understanding to conflict and chaos. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has consistently sought to be part of the solution and has never contributed to the crises affecting the region.