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In response to the recent energy agreements signed by the KRG without federal coordination, the Iraqi finance ministry has made a major counter-move: it now claims that it has already fulfilled its full budgetary obligation to the KRG for the year 2025. As such, it states there are no remaining salary payments due to the KRG for the rest of the year.

The ministry bases its position on the three-year federal budget law passed for 2023–2025, which allocates 12.67% of the federal budget to the KRG - conditional on the Region handing over 400,000 barrels of oil per day and 50% of its non-oil revenues. Citing a recent federal audit, the ministry argues that when combining the oil revenues retained by the KRG, the non-oil revenues not transferred to Baghdad, and the monthly salary payments already sent by Baghdad, the KRG’s entire 12.67% share for the three-year period has effectively been covered.

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1927831577863639089

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke via phone on Wednesday night about regional developments and the “strong partnership” between Washington, Erbil, and Baghdad.

Last week, Rubio labeled Kurdish autonomy in Iraq as the “linchpin” of America’s approach to the country, stressing that Washington values the economic success of the Kurdistan Region.

“The linchpin of our approach to Iraq is that autonomy that the Kurdish population has in that part of the country, and part of that is allowing them the economic lifeline that allows them to prosper and succeed,” he said.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/280520251

Aran Walladbagy Unpacks U.S. Strategic Vision: Largest American Consulate in Erbil Marks a Historic Shift in Middle East Diplomacy

Walladbagy's paper, 'Why is the U.S. Building Its Largest Consulate in Erbil?' examines the strategic and diplomatic reasons behind this move and its long-term implications.

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States is preparing to open its largest consulate in the world—in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—an ambitious and unprecedented move that not only underscores Washington’s strategic priorities in the Middle East but also elevates the Kurdistan Region as a central node in future U.S. diplomacy, intelligence, and economic policy.

This pivotal transformation is thoroughly examined in a research paper by Kurdish analyst Aran Walladbagy, submitted to Kurdistan24, which details the far-reaching consequences of the U.S. diplomatic presence in Erbil.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/842934/aran-walladbagy-unpacks-us-strategic-vision-largest-american-consulate-in-erbil-marks-a-historic-shift-in-middle-east-diplomacy

The Council also emphasizes that enhancing investment in the oil and gas sector, in line with the Iraqi Constitution, will increase federal revenues and reaffirms that these revenues must be fairly distributed for the benefit of all Iraqis.

https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1927707387416244504

Secretary Rubio also expressed the U.S. commitment to supporting the KRG across various sectors and to ensuring the Region’s financial entitlements and constitutional powers are upheld. Barzani extended his appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s recognition of the Kurdistan Region’s role in sheltering refugees and displaced persons, and in promoting religious and ethnic pluralism.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/842897/kurdistan-cabinet-backs-us-support-for-regions-constitutional-autonomy-after-barzanis-washington-visit

“We believe U.S. and Iraqi interests are best served by having a strong, resilient Iraqi Kurdistan Region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq,” Bruce concluded.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/842780/us-reaffirms-support-for-kurdistan-region-economic-ties-and-energy-independence

A key focus was the finalization of strategic agreements with American companies to expand natural gas production in the IKR—an initiative that Secretary Rubio praised as a major step toward advancing Iraq’s energy independence.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/842051/gas-trade-and-unity-rubio-applauds-pm-barzanis-energy-deals-in-key-washington-meeting

ERBIL — The United States has expressed strong support for recent agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and American companies to boost natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, calling the deals a key step toward Iraqi energy independence.

Speaking at a press conference, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce praised Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s efforts in securing what she described as “massive deals,” estimated at over $100 billion.

“We support the Kurdish autonomy and the US companies doing business there and urge the Government of Iraq to respect this economic lifeline,” Bruce added.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/884402

APIKUR Spokesperson Lauds Prime Minister Barzani’s Visit as ‘Powerful Moment’ for Kurdistan’s Global Energy Role

“There were very powerful statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his speech at Congress. He talked about the importance of Kurdistan Region as what he called the lynchpin, the centerpiece, the most important part of America's Middle East policy.” said Caggins.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/841944/apikur-spokesperson-lauds-prime-minister-barzanis-visit-as-powerful-moment-for-kurdistans-global-energy-role

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil stated on Friday that the federal government does not oppose agreements between U.S. energy companies—HKN Energy and Western Zagros—and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), as long as such engagements are not conducted directly and exclusively with the KRG without coordination with Baghdad.

https://channel8.com/english/news/38534

Deputy Oil Committee Chair: KRG's U.S. Energy Agreements Fully Constitutional

Rawandzi highlighted the federal government's inconsistency, stating that since 2008, it has signed numerous oil contracts in other Iraqi provinces but neglected the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/841776/deputy-oil-committee-chair-krgs-us-energy-agreements-fully-constitutional

APIKUR stressed that these deals represent more than economic contracts—they are long-term investments in Iraq’s future.

In the coming years, the opportunities for developing gas fields will expand, Caggins said, adding that this will benefit all the people of Iraq.

He noted that finalizing such strategic agreements is a major success for the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and of Iraq as a whole.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/841607/apikur-spokesperson-gas-development-will-benefit-all-iraqis

#BREAKING: Kurdish autonomy is central to US policy on Iraq, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. Highlighting recent energy deals between the Kurdistan Regional Government and American companies, Rubio said, “The linchpin of our approach towards Iraq is that autonomy the Kurdish population has — and part of that is allowing them the economic lifeline to prosper and succeed.”

https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1925218519072817554

US applauds multibillion dollar energy deals with the Kurdistan Region

https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/21052025

Mike Pompeo: "America should respect the legitimacy of the 2017 Kurdish independence referendum, in which 93% of Iraqi Kurds chose independence."

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/841522/the-kurds-deserve-better-pompeo-urges-us-to-support-kurdish-autonomy

The US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs said they are “pleased” to see the commercial relationship between the US and the Kurdistan Region expand with the recent signing of agreements with American firms - Statement

“These types of partnerships will strengthen gas production in Iraq and benefit both of our peoples”

https://x.com/thenewregion/status/1924975041659244656

The Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying that its oil agreements with two U.S. energy firms, HKN and WesternZagros, are longstanding and legally recognized, amid continued investment in the region’s energy sector.

https://channel8.com/english/news/38342

The ministry also highlights that both US companies have long operated in the Kurdistan Region’s oil and gas sector as key producers, and the agreements aim to boost domestic gas output to fuel power plants, ensure reliable electricity for all of Iraq, and reflect the KRG’s commitment to legal, constitutional, and transparent energy development.

https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1924843642004414507

#BREAKING: KRG defends its recent contracts with American companies to develop gas fields, clarifying that the agreements are not new but involve a change in contractors.

The statement comes in response to criticism from the Iraqi oil ministry, which on Tuesday objected to the KRG’s signing of major deals with US firms.

https://x.com/RudawEnglish/status/1924842137398530546

U.S. Energy Deals Reflect Growing Confidence in Kurdistan, Says KRG Minister

“These deals, signed during a time of great regional uncertainty in the Middle East, clearly show that the Kurdistan Region remains a place of trust for global energy firms and our international friends,” said the KRG Minister of Interior.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/841349/us-energy-deals-reflect-growing-confidence-in-kurdistan-says-krg-minister