In a productive week in Washington, D.C., Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani held over 20 meetings with U.S. officials, senators, representatives, and members of the Trump administration, including the Secretary of Energy, Secretary of the Interior, and Secretary of State.
This visit marked a significant opportunity for the KRG to strengthen ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, particularly in energy and economic development.
New era of energy development
On May 19, 2025, the KRG delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Barzani achieved a landmark milestone by signing two multi-billion-dollar agreements with U.S. energy firms HKN Energy and WesternZagros Resources. The signing ceremony took place in Washington and was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Prime Minister Barzani hailed these deals as the dawn of a new era for the region, emphasizing their critical role in advancing Kurdistan’s energy infrastructure. “These new investments are going to be very critical in developing the region as a whole,” Prime Minister Barzani said in his keynote address. “Our government has been dedicated to enhancing energy stability in Kurdistan, particularly through our reform programs aimed at providing round-the-clock electricity across the region and potentially exporting energy to other parts of Iraq.” He congratulated the people of both Kurdistan and Iraq on this achievement, recognizing the importance of the partnership with U.S. companies.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the KRG and the United States, forged during the fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Barzani stressed that while security remains essential, economic cooperation is becoming a defining feature of their bilateral relationship. “Economic development and energy investment are powerful tools that can deepen our relationship and strengthen our bonds,” he stated.
The agreements, estimated to be worth a combined $110 billion over their lifetimes, involve HKN Energy operating the Miran Block, valued at approximately $40 billion, and WesternZagros managing the Topkhana-Kurdamir gas field, projected to generate around $70 billion. Both companies have a long-standing presence in the region, significantly contributing to its economic growth and sustainability.
Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, praised Barzani’s leadership, stating he is “the right man at the right time” to foster strong economic ties between Kurdistan and the United States.
Eric E. Stoerr, Managing Director of Oil & Gas Investment at Crest Investment Company, expressed optimism about the potential for significant natural gas production from Kurdistan, which is crucial for strengthening local and regional electricity infrastructure.
U.S. reaffirms commitment to energy deal
During his official visit, Prime Minister Barzani also participated in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, reaffirming the mutual benefits of the trade agreements. He met with U.S. senators Elissa Slotkin, Bill Hagerty, Angus King, and James Lankford, as well as U.S. representatives Adam Smith, Abraham Hamadeh, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Joe Wilson, discussing the importance of further strengthening and expanding ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. Representative Wilson voiced concern over the Iraqi government’s position on several issues affecting the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the essential nature of U.S. investments in the region, particularly in developing Iraqi gas resources to reduce reliance on Iranian imports.
Later in the week, Prime Minister Barzani met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. During the meeting, Secretary Wright reaffirmed U.S. support for the significant energy deals signed earlier in the week between the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources and U.S. companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros and emphasized the importance of expanding U.S. energy investments in the Kurdistan Region.
Additionally, Prime Minister Barzani expressed gratitude for U.S. support and provided an overview of the KRG’s reform efforts across various sectors, particularly in energy, as well as initiatives such as Runaki and MyAccount. He also discussed the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the region’s economic foundations.
The future of power and energy
Following the meeting between Prime Minister Barzani and Secretary Wright, both leaders participated in a conference on the future of energy and power in the Kurdistan Region, hosted by Al-Monitor Global Institute, titled The Future of Power and Energy in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The conference was attended by numerous high-ranking officials and media outlets. Prime Minister Barzani and Secretary Wright underscored the vital partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, highlighting the region’s emerging role in the global energy sector. The event included several informative panels, one of which was titled “Oil and Gas: The Kurdistan Region as an Energy Hub.” Moderated by President of Al-Monitor Andrew Parasiliti and KRG Minister of Electricity and Acting Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Mohammad Salih, it emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has the capacity to export 400,000 barrels of oil daily, positioning itself for a significant increase in energy production and electricity generation.
During a broad discussion, Secretary Wright highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s potential to become a key player in regional energy development, aligning with U.S. energy and foreign policy goals. “We are eager to support the Kurdish people in transforming their natural resources into valuable assets,” he stated. He noted that while oil is essential for modern society, natural gas is the fastest-growing energy source globally and can dramatically improve quality of life.
Secretary Wright also emphasized that the existing power infrastructure could enhance electricity production and delivery to the people of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s energy goals for the United States and its allies. He expressed excitement about these commercial developments and the potential to develop the region’s resources, affirming that “the Kurdistan Region has tremendous natural resources, and I see great opportunities for U.S. cooperation there.”
“We are very keen to work with and support the people of the Kurdish Region to turn the endowments of their natural resources into valuable assets,” Secretary Wright said during the panel discussion. Afterward, he noted President Trump’s belief in “prosperity at home and peace abroad, commerce not conflict,” and commended the Kurdistan Region for its energy policy, expressing hope for the growth of commercial relations with U.S. companies.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the KRG’s commitment to development. “We are here to demonstrate that Kurdistan is not only effective in fighting terrorism alongside our allies, but it is also ready to build with them to serve our people and attract U.S. investors interested in opportunities in Kurdistan,” he stated.
He expressed pride in the relationship with the United States and highlighted the eagerness to collaborate on building a brighter future that benefits both the Kurdish people and U.S. investors, ultimately creating a win-win situation for all. Barzani conveyed a strong sense of welcome and support during his visit to Washington.
When asked by the moderator about U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks, which highlighted Kurdish autonomy as the “linchpin” of U.S. policy toward Iraq, Prime Minister Barzani responded warmly: “We deeply value Secretary Rubio’s remarks and the continued support of the United States, our closest ally. We take pride in being allies and friends of the United States. Frankly, we fully support the policies of President Trump’s administration, particularly his efforts in promoting peace, development, and prosperity around the world.”
Kurdish autonomy is key to U.S. strategy in Iraq
This all followed on a statement by Secretary Rubio who, during a House Foreign Relations Committee hearing on May 21, 2025, underscored the significance of Kurdish autonomy as the “linchpin” of U.S. policy toward Iraq. Engaging with Representative Wilson – who expressed concerns about Iraq and Iranian interference in recent agreements between the KRG and U.S. energy companies – Secretary Rubio emphasized that supporting Kurdish economic freedom is essential for fostering stability and prosperity in the region. The KRG took a momentous step toward economic prosperity by sealing multi-billion-dollar agreements with HKN Energy and WesternZagros Resources, which are poised to significantly enhance the KRG’s oil and gas exploration and development capabilities in northern Iraq.
During the hearing, Representative Wilson emphasized the importance of these agreements for the Kurdish people, stating that “the regime in Tehran has exerted influence over Baghdad’s decision making.” He argued that the agreements would not only benefit Kurdistan, but also the broader Iraqi populace, promoting freedom and economic empowerment. Secretary Rubio responded by reiterating that Kurdish autonomy is the “linchpin” of Washington’s approach to Iraq, articulating that the KRG’s economic independence is crucial for its success and prosperity.
Meeting with Trump Administration Officials
Prime Minister Barzani held talks with key Trump administration officials, including U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We have great work ahead of us,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a post on X following the meeting. According to a statement from the KRG, the two leaders focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. They also addressed the latest developments in Iraq and the broader regional landscape. Secretary Burgum welcomed Prime Minister Barzani and referred to the Kurdistan Region as a valued partner of the United States. Secretary Burgum expressed satisfaction with the expanding ties between the region and U.S. companies, underscoring the potential for mutual benefit.
In turn, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States, stressing that the Kurdistan Region continues to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in both Iraq and the Middle East.
Prime Minister Barzani also met with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. They discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination between relevant institutions in the KRG and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, particularly in the areas of security, training, and countering organized crime.
In the same day, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce spoke about the significance of Prime Minister Barzani’s visit to the United States. Bruce emphasized that Barzani’s visit is a pivotal step toward strengthening bilateral ties and highlighted Washington’s unwavering support for a robust and resilient Kurdistan Region. “We were pleased to see massive deals with U.S. companies to expand natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region,” Bruce remarked during her address to reporters. “This initiative helps Iraq harness domestic resources and progress toward energy independence – a goal we’ve frequently emphasized.”
Prime Minister Barzani meets with Secretary Rubio
On May 23, 2025, the final day of his official visit to Washington, Prime Minister Barzani met with Secretary of State Rubio. “The meeting went very well,” Prime Minister Barzani told Kurdistan Chronicle following the meeting. He then thanked Secretary Rubio for his hospitality in a post on X, stating, “Thank you Secretary Rubio, for your warm hospitality today and your longstanding support and partnership for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. I look forward to continuing our dialogue.”
As part of diplomatic tradition, Prime Minister Barzani signed the U.S. Department of State’s distinguished visitors’ book. He wrote, “It is my pleasure to be back in Washington and to meet with His Excellency, Secretary Rubio. We are grateful for all the support that the United States has given us. Now, we believe we can build together.”
In a post on X, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region, which is critical to the stability of Iraq and the broader region. “Met with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and reaffirmed U.S. support for a strong and resilient Iraqi Kurdistan Region that is critical to the stability of Iraq and the broader region” he stated.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, “Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Barzani discussed opportunities to further increase trade and investment between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. The Secretary commended the Prime Minister for finalizing deals with U.S. companies to expand natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region, which will help Iraq move toward energy independence.”
Prime Minister Barzani’s historic visit to Washington was extensively covered by U.S. media, highlighting his significant impact during high-level discussions with key officials from the Trump administration. In an exclusive interview on Fox News with anchor Bret Baier, Barzani focused on the steps taken toward enhancing U.S. relations with the Kurdistan Region, as well as the new energy agreements exceeding $100 billion with U.S. companies. This visit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
During the interview, Barzani concluded his visit by expressing deep gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. government, and the American people for their unwavering support. “I’m very glad to be back here in Washington,” he stated, emphasizing the KRG’s commitment to being allies and partners. He highlighted their collaboration, noting, “we fought together against terrorists, and now, together with the United States and U.S. companies, we can build a lot in the region, contributing to peace and prosperity.”
Goran Shakhawan is a Kurdish-American journalist and author based in the United States. He has covered news for several Kurdish news outlets and was a former senior correspondent for Kurdistan24 in Erbil and Washington D.C. He has published several books in Kurdish.
