When the United States inaugurated its new consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq last month, it made a statement far more consequential than the unveiling of a diplomatic compound. The opening of the largest U.S. consulate in the world in Erbil, the region’s capital, has been widely interpreted as recognition of Kurdistan’s position as a key ally that supports American security, energy, and strategic priorities in the Middle East.

As U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas said at the inauguration of the new consulate, “a strong, stable, and resilient Iraqi Kurdistan Region is a foundational pillar of the relationship the United States enjoys with Iraq.” That statement captures why this moment matters to Erbil and Baghdad, as well as to Washington and its partners in Europe and the Gulf.

The vast, $800-million compound represents Washington’s enduring, decades-long partnership with the people of Kurdistan, signaling a lasting presence rather than a temporary one. As Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said in his speech at the opening ceremony, “this building is rising like a mountain, a solid, unshakable rock in Erbil, which is a testament to the old, strong bond between the United States and the people of Kurdistan and Iraq.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani recognized the history of security cooperation, noting that “the United States has consistently stood by the people of Kurdistan during their most difficult and critical moments.”

The origin of the United States’ current relationship with Kurdistan began with a military-humanitarian mission in 1991 when it launched Operation Provide Comfort with the UK and France to protect Kurdish civilians from Saddam Hussein’s attacks after the uprising against his regime. This became a turning point in the Kurdistan Region’s recent history, providing the space and momentum for its rapid economic development and a growing security relationship with the United States, most notably in the fight against ISIS. 

While Kurdistan has undeniably benefited from its bond with the United States, the gains have been reciprocal. The Kurdistan Region has been a reliable ally, hosting U.S. forces without a single American or Coalition soldier killed in Kurdistan, contributing to counterterrorism efforts, providing a platform for diplomacy and energy security, and aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump’s goal of peace through strength. 

Equally important to the security cooperation, Kurdistan has proven to be a place where U.S. companies can invest, operate, and thrive, reinforcing the partnership not only through shared defense objectives but also through shared economic gains. The Kurdistan Region has become a case study in how U.S. capital and expertise translate into geopolitical dividends. U.S. companies have played a foundational role in developing the region’s oil and gas sector, transforming resources into electricity and revenue, as well as providing the rest of Iraq with an alternative source of electricity.

Erbil offers Washington something rare in the Middle East: a stable, forward-looking partner that is a moderating influence amid Iraq’s sharp-edged and sometimes radical politics, a destination for investment by U.S. companies, and a beacon of peaceful coexistence and religious freedom in a part of the world where faith can be fatal.

As Deputy Secretary Rigas observed, the new consulate is “a physical symbol of America’s long-term partnership” with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It is hard power expressed through infrastructure, signaling that while the United States may reject open-ended wars, it has no intention of surrendering strategic ground.

Finally, the relationship works. In an era when it may appear that some U.S. alliances are strained or one-sided, Kurdistan stands out as both loyal and valuable. It asks for partnership, not boots on the ground; investment, not charity.

The world’s largest U.S. consular facility is not an act of nostalgia for past engagements. It is a bet on a model that President Trump himself has long advocated: strong allies, clear interests, and American power exercised efficiently from a position of strength.

For Kurdistan, as Prime Minister Barzani said, the “magnificent building” is a milestone in the region’s ties with the United States. “We are very proud allies of the United States,” he said. “And we will continue to stand with you as we move on to a new phase and start a new chapter. As we fought together against tyranny and terrorists, now it is time to build.”