U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce spoke on Thursday about the significance of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to the United States. Bruce emphasized that Prime Minister 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 will help Iraq harness its own domestic resources and work toward energy independence, which we have discussed frequently.”

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce says the U.S. supports the recently signed energy deals between the Kurdistan Region and U.S. companies, and that Washington has urged Baghdad to work with Erbil “to get the gas production to commence as soon as possible.” pic.twitter.com/vyV1fVWxVX

— Kurdistan Chronicle (@KrdChronicle) May 22, 2025

She also revealed that the deals in question are valued at over $100 billion. “That’s what we’ve been working for. We support these deals and encourage Baghdad and Erbil to work together to commence gas production as soon as possible.”

Highlighting the importance of the relationship between the United States and the KRG, she stated that “the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States signifies our desire to strengthen our relationship with the Kurdistan Region.”

Bruce also mentioned that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Prime Minister Barzani to discuss expanding trade and investment opportunities between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.