President Barzani Receives US Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq

ARK News.. Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani received U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Fagen, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, in Pirmam on Monday, September 14, 2026.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fagen expressed his pleasure at returning to Iraq for a new assignment and visiting the Kurdistan Region, stressing his determination to maintain the pace of work and provide further support. He reaffirmed U.S. support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in safeguarding security and stability and developing the economy.

Fagen also stressed the importance of coordination among the parties to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and strengthen its relations with regional countries and the international community. He said any threat to Iraq’s security constitutes a threat to everyone, adding that Iraq, together with the Kurdistan Region, can play an active role in this regard.

He further noted that the United States supports an Iraq free of armed militias operating outside government authority in order to create the conditions necessary for political and economic stability.

For his part, President Barzani warmly welcomed the U.S. chargé d’affaires on his return to Iraq and visit to the Kurdistan Region, expressing his appreciation for the renewed engagement. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region would always remain a factor for stability.

President Barzani also reaffirmed his support for the efforts of the Iraqi prime minister and their success in matters related to consolidating stability, upholding the Iraqi Constitution, and combating terrorism, as well as his continued support for efforts to combat corruption and his determination to pursue joint work in this field.

Regarding regional developments, President Barzani stressed that peace is always better than war, dialogue is better than confrontation, and understanding is more beneficial than conflict and chaos. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has always been part of the solution and has never been part of the regional crises affecting the area.

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