United States to inaugurate its largest Middle East diplomatic facility in Iraq's Erbil

The United States will soon open its largest diplomatic facility in the Middle East, the new Consulate General in Erbil, the capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, according to the US State Department.

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas will visit Erbil to inaugurate the new US Consulate General during his Middle East tour from 27 November to 5 December, the State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The department stated that Rigas will also visit Baghdad, meet with Iraqi officials, and tour US diplomatic facilities.

The department added that Rigas's itinerary includes stops in Istanbul, Baghdad, Erbil, and Jerusalem. The purpose of his travel is to emphasise US commitments to stability, security, religious freedom, and prosperity in the region.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated on Wednesday that the opening of the largest US consulate in Erbil is "a major indicator... for the strong relations between the United States and the Kurdistan Region."

The current US Consulate General, located in Erbil's Ankawa suburb, has been targeted several times by drones reportedly launched by pro-Iran militias in Iraq.

In June 2025, amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the United States ordered non-emergency government personnel to leave its diplomatic missions in Iraq, while maintaining essential embassy and consulate operations.

According to the official website of the US embassy in Iraq, the Consulate General in Erbil serves the four provinces of the Kurdistan Region: Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja. It includes an executive office led by the Consul General, as well as sections for political and economic affairs, public diplomacy, consular services, rule of law, management, and security. The USAID office for the Iraqi Kurdistan Region is also located at the Consulate General.