CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

US Opens $796M Consulate in Irbil, Signaling Deeper Ties with Kurdish Region

The United States opened a $796 million consulate in Irbil on a 206,000‑square‑meter site, planned to be the largest U.S. consulate worldwide. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas and Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani attended the inauguration, which underscores deeper diplomatic, economic and security cooperation. The opening coincides with U.S. troop repositioning in Iraq and comes amid security concerns after a recent drone strike on the Kormor gas field. Rigas urged Baghdad and Erbil to take action against Iran-aligned militias that threaten Iraqi sovereignty.

01:26 PM, 12/04/2025Politics
US Opens $796M Consulate in Irbil, Signaling Deeper Ties with Kurdish Region

The United States formally opened a new $796 million consulate complex in Irbil on Wednesday, reinforcing Washington's diplomatic and strategic engagement with Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. The sprawling compound, built on a 206,000-square-meter (50-acre) site along the Irbil–Shaqlawa highway, is planned to be the largest U.S. consulate in the world.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas attended the inauguration alongside Kurdish leaders. The opening comes as U.S. forces are being repositioned within Iraq under an agreement with Baghdad as part of ongoing operations against the Islamic State group.

A platform for partnership

Officials described the facility as a secure platform for expanding diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Kurdish regional President Nechirvan Barzani said the consulate sends a "clear political message" about Irbil's importance and called the facility a hub for enhanced partnership.

“America’s investment in this new consulate provides a secure platform to advance the interests of the United States,”
“It demonstrates the value that a sovereign, secure and prosperous Iraq, in mutually beneficial partnership with the United States can deliver for its own people and for America.” — Michael Rigas

Security backdrop

The inauguration comes amid continuing security and infrastructure challenges across Iraq, including regional tensions and attacks on energy facilities. A drone strike last week on the Kormor natural gas field caused widespread power outages. No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.

At the ceremony, Rigas urged both Baghdad and Erbil to act against armed groups he characterized as "Iran-aligned militias," calling on Iraqi authorities to disempower and dismantle forces that engage in violent and destabilizing activities and undermine Iraqi sovereignty.

The new consulate is expected to support expanded diplomatic engagement, promote economic ties and coordinate security cooperation in northern Iraq. Local leaders and U.S. officials said the facility will help sustain long-term partnership in a region that remains strategically significant for both Iraqi stability and wider regional dynamics.

Similar Articles

Trending

US Opens $796M Consulate in Irbil, Signaling Deeper Ties with Kurdish Region - CRBC News