Amb. Fagin Returns to Iraq as U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad
Ambassador Steven H. Fagin has been appointed as the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad. A seasoned diplomat with prior service in Erbil and Baghdad, Fagin’s return signals continuity and experienced leadership in U.S.-Iraq relations during a pivotal period.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has appointed Ambassador Steven H. Fagin as the new Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at its embassy in Baghdad. The announcement was made public via the official Facebook page of the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, which welcomed Fagin back to Iraq with a message underscoring his prior experience and deep familiarity with the country.
"We are pleased to announce that Ambassador Steven H. Fagin is our Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Ambassador Fagin brings extensive knowledge of Iraq, having served here twice: first as Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil (2018-2020) and then as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad (2020-2021). Join us in welcoming him to Iraq," the statement read.
According to an official release by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Iraq, Ambassador Fagin assumed his duties in Baghdad on May 29, 2025. He will concurrently remain accredited as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen, a position he has held since 2022.
Ambassador Fagin is a career diplomat and a member of the Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Minister-Counselor. Over the course of his diplomatic career, which began in 1997, he has held numerous strategic postings across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
His previous assignments include Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad and Consul General in Erbil, roles that have shaped his deep understanding of Iraq’s political and social landscape. His return to Iraq is expected to bolster U.S.-Iraq relations at a critical time for the region.
Ambassador Fagin holds academic credentials from Williams College and the University of Michigan. He was born in New York City, raised in New Jersey, and currently resides in Washington, D.C.
His reappointment to Iraq, particularly in Baghdad, signals continuity and experienced leadership at the helm of U.S. diplomatic engagement with Iraq.
