On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad announced that Ambassador Steven Fagin — who previously served as U.S. Consul General in Erbil — is returning to Baghdad to serve as the U.S. Mission Iraq’s Chargé d'Affaires.

He replaces U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris, who served one year from September 2, 2025.

Previously, Fagin also served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for a short period before Harris started his appointment.

“Fagin brings extensive regional experience that will further strengthen the U.S.-Iraq relationship, advancing a mutually beneficial future for Americans and Iraqis,” the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad posted on X.

Fagin served as Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil (2018–2020) and then as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad (2020–2021).

His appointment comes at a crucial time. The U.S.-led Coalition is preparing to leave the Kurdistan Region in September and Baghdad is expected to disarm Iran-backed militias in the near future.