Kurdistan Region and the United States renewed calls to restart Kurdish oil exports. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met Washington’s new Charge d’Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, in Erbil to discuss Iraq, regional developments, and relations with Washington.
Kurdistan Region and the United States renewed calls to restart Kurdish oil exports. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met Washington’s new Charge d’Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, in Erbil to discuss Iraq, regional developments, and relations with Washington.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. He stressed that Erbil values its partnership with Washington and seeks to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors. Harris, joined by US Consul General Gwendolyn Green, reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region remains a key partner for the United States.
Both sides focused heavily on energy. They urged the swift resumption of Kurdish oil exports, noting the urgent need to resolve outstanding disputes. Barzani also highlighted that the federal government must meet its commitments, including payment of civil servant salaries and other financial entitlements to the Region.
Oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline have remained suspended since a court ruling halted flows. The decision followed arbitration in Paris that ruled in Baghdad’s favor, citing Ankara’s violation of a 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil’s independent oil exports since 2014.
The stoppage of exports strained relations and worsened financial difficulties in Kurdistan. Baghdad froze transfers, arguing that the Kurdistan Region exceeded its oil quota and failed to fulfill export obligations. This dispute disrupted salaries for more than a million public employees.
Recently, Baghdad, the KRG, and oil companies signed a new tripartite deal to resolve the standoff. Under the arrangement, oil companies operating in Kurdistan will receive crude in place of cash payments. Exports are expected to resume soon, bringing long-awaited relief to both the government and the people of Kurdistan.
Harris reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region politically, economically, and militarily. He praised the Region’s role as a reliable US partner and underscored Washington’s long-standing support for the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, particularly in the fight against ISIS.
In addition, the US continues to back reforms within the Peshmerga and supports efforts to unify Kurdish forces. Washington also plans to open its largest consulate general in Erbil, reflecting the strategic importance of the Region for American foreign policy.
The meeting reinforced Erbil’s growing role as a central player in Iraq’s stability. At the same time, it underlined the shared commitment of both Erbil and Washington to securing energy flows and economic stability.