U.S. Strategist: Kurdistan’s Gas Agreements Mark ‘Transformative Moment’ for Regional Stability and Economic Expansion
“While Baghdad has in many ways failed to live up to their obligations under the Iraqi constitution, the government of Kurdistan has taken action to continue its development.” said Montes-Bradley II.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Saul Montes-Bradley II, senior fellow at the Gold Institute for International Strategy, described the recent gas exploration agreements signed under the auspices of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani as “transformative” for the Kurdistan Region, noting their potential to reshape energy capacity, international trade, and regional security.
In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Montes-Bradley welcomed the agreements not only for their economic size but for their strategic implications across the broader region.
“The two agreements that have been signed under the auspices of Mr. Barzani for the exploration of gas in Kurdistan are important—but not only because of their size. They are big. They're not the biggest ones ever, but they are big, over hundred billion dollars worth. And they have the potential of fully developing the Kurdistan Region's electrical power generation to the point that it will satisfy its needs, which are not met today, and even have some export capacity.”
U.S.-Kurdistan Relations Enter a New Phase
Montes-Bradley, a long-time observer of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, expressed satisfaction with the renewed strategic alignment under President Trump’s administration.
“You remember in previous occasions here during the previous administration that I used to lament that we did not have the relationship with Kurdistan and that we were not supporting Kurdistan as much as needed at the time. And when President Trump was elected, I was elated to know of the people that we're bringing into the administration.”
He emphasized that congressional support for the Kurdistan Region extends beyond single lawmakers:
“Yes, definitely there will be a much closer relationship between the U.S. and the Kurdistan Region. And we're already beginning to see the effects of that. I understand that Prime Minister Barzani was with Congressman Wilson today. There's only one congressman, but I assure you there are hundreds—literally—that think in the same terms.”
Kurdistan: A Reliable Diplomatic Anchor in a Shifting Region
Describing Kurdistan as a geopolitical anchor, Montes-Bradley underlined its centrality to U.S. diplomacy in the region.
“The Kurdistan Region… has been one of the most reliable allies of the United States for a good many decades now. It is an anchor upon which we can base our diplomatic efforts to stabilize and develop that region.”
He also pointed to recent developments that clear the way for deeper engagement:
“The dissolution of the PKK removes a huge obstacle for both the development of Kurdistan and its ability to trade with the world.”
Baghdad Tensions, but Kurdistan Holds the Power
On the tensions with Baghdad over energy authority, Montes-Bradley downplayed the central government’s ability to block Kurdish progress:
“Can they create an obstacle? Of course they can. Will it be long-lasting? I doubt it very much. They need the income as much as anybody else.”
“These companies have been working in the Kurdistan Region for a while, and what they're doing is expanding their operations… Power is not asked for or considered—it is exercised. The Kurdistani government has control of the Kurdistan Region.”
“While Baghdad has in many ways failed to live up to their obligations under the Iraqi constitution, the government of Kurdistan has taken action to continue its development.”
Foreign Markets: The Prime Minister’s Top Priority
According to Montes-Bradley, securing international markets for Kurdistan’s resources now constitutes Prime Minister Barzani’s most pressing responsibility.
“It is not just securing partnerships or investments to develop oil and gas fields, but securing markets so that gas eventually—and oil, but also other products—have a market abroad… I would say is the most pressing job of the Prime Minister today, other than of course defense.”
He added that expanding mineral exploration and export frameworks is vital to unlocking economic potential and long-term growth.
Peace, Security, and Investment Outlook
Montes-Bradley stressed that the newly announced dissolution of the PKK is a pivotal milestone in the path toward attracting large-scale U.S. investment in Kurdistan.
“Obviously, peace and security in the neighborhood is vital for most American companies to consider investing there. The dissolution of the PKK is a first important step in that direction.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges with Iran and Baghdad, he remained optimistic:
“We still have a problem with Iran and we're still having difficulties with Baghdad although negotiations are underway… We need to restore peace and security in that region, and it is going to happen in a big time over the next two years.”