KRG - US NEWSLETTER JULY 2026 | | |
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE KRG REPRESENTATION IN THE US
| | Renewed Attacks Disrupt Security, Energy, and Daily Life Across the Kurdistan Region | | |
Renewed missile and drone attacks across the Kurdistan Region have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted essential services. Security threats forced several international energy companies to suspend operations, including at the Khor Mor, Atrush, and Sarsang fields, reducing electricity generation and affecting fuel supplies. The KRG has condemned the attacks as violations of Iraq’s sovereignty and called for stronger action to protect civilians, energy infrastructure, and regional stability.
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| | Italy Awards President Nechirvan Barzani Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy | |
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy, the country’s highest-ranking honor within the order, during a ceremony in Erbil.
Presented on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the award recognized President Barzani’s leadership, commitment to dialogue and peace, and longstanding efforts to strengthen relations between Italy and the Kurdistan Region. President Barzani described the honor as a tribute to the historic relationship between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, as well as to all those who have worked to advance the partnership.
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| Prime Minister Barzani Inaugurates Major Water Project Serving 53 Villages | |
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the Balinda-Barzan Water Project, which will deliver clean drinking water to more than 35,000 residents across 53 villages in Mergasor, Akre, and Khalifan. The $105 million project includes a modern treatment facility and a 540-kilometer distribution network designed to provide reliable service for the next 20 years. The project reflects the KRG’s continued investment in essential infrastructure, water security, and rural development.
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| | Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi Makes First Official Visit to Washington | | |
Iraq's new Prime Minister, H.E. Ali al-Zaidi, made his first official visit to Washington, D.C., since taking office two months ago. The visit focused on expanding economic and energy cooperation, attracting investment, and advancing shared security priorities. Representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government and business community also joined the Iraqi delegation throughout the visit.
KRG Representative to the United States Treefa Aziz joined officials from the Embassy of Iraq in Washington in welcoming Prime Minister al-Zaidi at the airport. The Iraqi delegation included representatives from the Kurdistan Region, including Ms. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Senior Adviser to KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, along with other government officials and private sector business leaders.
During the visit, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack praised the Kurdistan Region’s role in advancing stability and prosperity, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recognized the Peshmerga’s continued contribution to the fight against ISIS. The visit concluded with the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda across several economic sectors.
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| Honoring 250 Years of the United States and a Lasting Partnership with the Kurdistan Region | | |
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the KRG reflects on more than three decades of partnership rooted in humanitarian support, security cooperation, diplomacy, and strong people-to-people ties. From Operation Provide Comfort in 1991 and the shared fight against ISIS to the establishment of the KRG Representation in Washington in 2004, the relationship has continued to grow. Today, the partnership extends across security, business, education, and cultural exchange, supported by the KRG office in Washington and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil.
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Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham, a Steadfast Friend of Kurdistan | |
Representative Treefa Aziz attended the funeral services of the late Senator Lindsey Graham on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdish people, paying final respects to a steadfast friend of Kurdistan.
Throughout his decades of public service, Senator Graham consistently stood with the Kurdish people and championed the partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. During the fight against ISIS, he supported efforts to provide the Peshmerga with critical weapons, training, and continued US assistance, while recognizing their courage, sacrifice, and essential role in protecting the Kurdistan Region and contributing to regional security.
His support went far beyond policy. Senator Graham’s friendship with the Kurdish people was deeply valued, and his willingness to speak on their behalf during some of the Region’s most difficult moments will never be forgotten. His leadership and unwavering commitment strengthened the enduring ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region and left a lasting legacy of friendship and solidarity.
The KRG-US extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those mourning his passing. May he rest in eternal peace.
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| KURDISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY | | KRG Launches Major Art Gallery and Anfal Museum Projects in Erbil | | |
The KRG has launched two major cultural projects in Erbil’s Sami Abdulrahman Park: the Kurdistan Region’s largest art gallery and a modern museum dedicated to the Anfal genocide. The gallery will showcase Kurdish and international artists and expand opportunities for cultural exchange, while the museum will preserve the memory of Anfal victims and educate future generations. Together, the projects reflect the KRG’s continued investment in culture, heritage, tourism, and the creative economy.
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- Rwanga Foundation Completes Returnee Reintegration Project in Erbil
The Rwanga Foundation concluded a three-year project supporting the sustainable reintegration of returnees across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region through job creation, business training, financial grants, and awareness programs addressing the risks of irregular migration.
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- KDP and PUK Resume Talks on Kurdistan Government Formation
Delegations from the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan met in Erbil to discuss improved coordination and efforts to resolve the political deadlock surrounding the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s tenth cabinet.
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- Investment in Kurdistan Region Surpasses $25 Billion
More than $25 billion has been invested through 856 projects across the Kurdistan Region, including housing, tourism, industry, trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare. The investments reflect continued efforts to diversify the economy, strengthen the private sector, and create employment opportunities.
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- Kurdistan Foundation Launches First Biodiversity Project
The Kurdistan Foundation launched Kurdistan Biodiversity, the Region’s first centralized and verified database documenting native wildlife and plant species. Developed through Climate.KRD with researchers, biodiversity specialists, and wildlife photographers, the platform currently includes hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, and fish species and will support scientific research, conservation, education, and public awareness.
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