US State Department Spox Hails Kurdistan Region’s $100 Billion Energy Deals with American Firms
She also highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Kurdistan Region relationship, noting that Prime Minister Barzani’s visit to Washington is a sign of deepening ties.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States has welcomed recent major energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and U.S. companies aimed at expanding natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, calling the development a vital step toward Iraq’s energy independence.
Speaking at a press conference, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed satisfaction with the deals, which are valued at over $100 billion. “We were pleased to see Prime Minister [Masrour] Barzani sign major deals with U.S. companies to expand natural gas production,” she said. “This will help Iraq harness its domestic resources and move toward energy independence, which we've often discussed. It's a significant development.”
While specific timelines for implementation were not provided, Bruce emphasized that the agreements reflect ongoing cooperation and shared strategic goals. “Energy independence is a key administration priority and a major national security issue,” she noted. “These deals are the result of ongoing efforts, and we fully support them.”
Bruce acknowledged some political pushback regarding the legitimacy of the agreements, but reaffirmed Washington’s support. “We are aware of declarations deeming these deals null and void. Such political maneuvering can be problematic,” she said, while reiterating the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil. “We have encouraged both Baghdad and Erbil to cooperate and begin gas production as soon as possible.”
She also highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Kurdistan Region relationship, noting that Prime Minister Barzani’s visit to Washington is a sign of deepening ties. As part of the visit, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Barzani to discuss expanding trade and investment between the U.S. and the Kurdistan Region.
“Secretary Rubio has affirmed U.S. support for Kurdish autonomy and for U.S. companies doing business there,” Bruce said. “He has urged the Iraqi government to respect this vital economic lifeline, which is essential for the region's prosperity.”
Concluding her remarks, Bruce underscored the U.S. vision for a stable Iraq. “We believe that U.S., Iraqi, and Iraqi Kurdish interests are best served by a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq.”
The signing of these energy deals is expected to boost both regional economic development and energy security across Iraq, as well as strengthen U.S. commercial ties with the Kurdistan Region.
