U.S. Congressman Shows Excitement over $110 Billion in Energy Deals with Kurdistan
US Congressman hails historic $110B Kurdistan energy deals with American firms HKN Energy & WesternZagros. Calls partnerships 'strategic boost' to US-KRG ties.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt welcomed the historic energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and two American companies—HKN Energy and WesternZagros—valued at a combined $110 billion, describing the partnerships as a positive step that will further strengthen U.S.-Kurdistan ties.
“I mean, as you mentioned, security is a very important aspect of this,” Aderholt stated, underscoring the broader strategic dimension of the agreements. “It is great to have friends around the world. The U.S., you know, we try to reach out, and to have this friendship is very important,” he added.
Expressing optimism about the energy cooperation, the Congressman said, “We look forward to our friendship together, and we're very excited about this signing of this document. And looking forward to the positive results, so don't worry.”
Congressman Aderholt’s remarks came amid Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s high-level official visit to Washington, where he has been holding strategic meetings with U.S. officials, senators, members of Congress, and American investors. The visit has placed a particular emphasis on energy collaboration, counterterrorism, and constitutional rights.
During the visit, Prime Minister Barzani oversaw the signing of two significant energy development agreements. HKN Energy will develop the Miran gas field, which holds an estimated 8 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas, while WesternZagros will oversee the Topkhana-Kurdamir blocks, with reserves estimated at 5 trillion standard cubic feet. Both fields are located in the Sulaymaniyah province of the Kurdistan Region.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs also welcomed the deals in a statement on X, noting that “these types of partnerships will strengthen gas production in Iraq and benefit both of our peoples.” The post praised the growing commercial relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region and reaffirmed Washington’s continued support.
We are pleased to see the commercial relationship between the United States and Iraqi Kurdistan Region expand with the signing of agreements with U.S. companies. These types of partnerships will strengthen gas production in Iraq and benefit both of our peoples.
— U.S. State Dept - Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) May 20, 2025
The agreements represent a turning point in the Kurdistan Region’s international economic outreach, signaling a heightened level of trust and cooperation between Erbil and Washington. As these partnerships mature, they are expected to boost economic development within the Kurdistan Region and further solidify its role as a reliable and strategic partner in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Barzani’s agenda in Washington and the strategic nature of these agreements underscore the Kurdistan Region’s increasing significance in regional energy security and political stability.
