High-Level Discussions in Baghdad
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas in Baghdad on December 2, 2025. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, addressing regional stability, and reviewing frameworks for cooperation across political, economic, and security sectors.
During the talks, Minister Hussein emphasized Iraq's role in supporting regional stabilization efforts and provided updates on the country's post-election political developments. He underscored the importance of forming a new government 'within the constitutional timelines' to ensure a functioning democratic process. Hussein also called for expanding bilateral cooperation in economy, infrastructure, and investment, encouraging the return of U.S. companies to Iraq and urging a review of U.S. travel warnings to the country, citing improved security.
For his part, Deputy Secretary Rigas expressed the U.S.'s appreciation for Iraq's progress in strengthening stability and affirmed Washington's support for these ongoing efforts, highlighting the importance of continued bilateral coordination.
Inauguration of the World's Largest U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The meeting in Baghdad took place just one day before the official inauguration of the new U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, on December 3, 2025. Deputy Secretary Rigas attended the opening ceremony, which marked a significant milestone in U.S. diplomatic presence in the Middle East.
The sprawling new compound is considered the largest U.S. diplomatic facility in the world, built on a 206,000-square-meter (50-acre) site and costing approximately $800 million. Its construction, which took seven years, is seen as a 'testament' to Washington's long-term commitment to its partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The consulate is designed to serve as a hub for:
- Political and diplomatic cooperation
- Economic engagement and investment
- Security coordination, particularly against ISIS and Iran-aligned groups
Commitment to Stability and Future Cooperation
At the inauguration, Rigas stated that the new consulate 'is a testament to the value of the relationship between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.' He also urged both Baghdad and Erbil to 'disempower and dismantle Iran-aligned militias that continue to engage in violent and destabilizing activities and only serve to harm Iraqi sovereignty.' Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani referred to the consulate as a 'clear political message regarding the importance of Erbil and the Kurdistan region,' underscoring the deep partnership between the U.S. and Kurdish authorities.
Foreign Minister Hussein welcomed the opening of the Erbil consulate and additionally called for the reopening of the U.S. Consulate in Basra, which was closed in September 2018. These diplomatic engagements highlight a concerted effort by both nations to deepen their strategic partnership and address shared challenges in the region.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
Urging to dismantle militias? That's internal Iraqi business, not America's.
Raphael
Finally, some serious investment and focus on economic growth for Iraq. Good news for everyone.
Donatello
The push for economic cooperation and investment is positive for Iraq's future. However, attracting US companies back will be difficult without significant improvements in security and governance across the entire country, not just the Kurdistan region.
Michelangelo
Diplomatic engagement is crucial for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts. Still, the call to dismantle militias needs to be handled delicately, as these groups often have complex local support and are intertwined with Iraqi politics, making simple solutions unlikely.
Donatello
This consulate shows long-term commitment. A real partnership is forming here.