On May 21, 2025, during a House Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the significance of Kurdish autonomy as the “linchpin” of U.S. policy toward Iraq. Engaging with Congressman Joe Wilson – who expressed concerns about Iraq and Iranian interference in recent agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and U.S. energy companies – Secretary Rubio emphasized that supporting Kurdish economic freedom is essential for fostering stability and prosperity in the region.

On May 19, 2025, the KRG took a momentous step toward economic prosperity by sealing multi-billion-dollar agreements with two prominent U.S. energy firms, HKN Energy and WesternZagros Resources. These landmark deals are poised to significantly enhance the KRG’s oil and gas exploration and development capabilities in northern Iraq.

During the hearing, Congressman Wilson emphasized the importance of these agreements for the Kurdish people, stating that “the regime in Tehran has impacted Baghdad and is actually controlling the actions of Baghdad.” He argued that the agreements would not only benefit Kurdistan, but also the broader Iraqi populace, promoting freedom and economic empowerment.

“The linchpin of our approach towards Iraq is that autonomy that the Kurdish population has… and part of that is allowing them the economic lifeline that allows them to prosper and succeed,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said while testifying before the House Foreign… pic.twitter.com/ZKySTnOAUm

— Kurdistan Chronicle (@KrdChronicle) May 21, 2025

Secretary Rubio responded by reiterating that Kurdish autonomy is the “linchpin” of Washington’s approach to Iraq. He articulated that the KRG’s economic independence is crucial for its success and prosperity. Furthermore, he acknowledged the Iraqi government’s interest in fostering a closer relationship with the United States, but stressed that this relationship hinges on respecting U.S. companies operating in Iraq and honoring the autonomy of the Kurdistan Region. He raised concerns about the growing Iranian influence in Iraq, which poses a significant threat to U.S. interests, particularly through pro-Iranian militias that have a history of hostility toward U.S. forces.

In a swift rebuttal to Baghdad’s rejection of the agreements, the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources asserted that the contracts are constitutionally valid and have received prior approval from Iraqi courts. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil had claimed that these deals violated a 2022 federal court ruling prohibiting regional governments from independently regulating trade with foreign entities.

The KRG’s advancements were further highlighted during KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s official visit to Washington, D.C. Prime Minister Barzani participated in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, reaffirming the mutual benefits of the trade agreements. Congressman Wilson, who met with Barzani, emphasized the essential nature of U.S. investments in the region, particularly in developing Iraqi gas resources to reduce reliance on Iranian imports. Wilson’s fervent support for the KRG’s partnership with U.S. companies resonated throughout the discussions, signaling a robust commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in Kurdistan.