US Secretary of State Defends KRG and Oil Deals
“Iraqi officials have expressed interest in a closer relationship with the United States, and we’ve explained to them that the core of that is respect for the companies operating in Iraq and respect for Kurdish autonomy,” he added.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States' strong support for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and its right to economic development during testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday. His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Congressman Joe Wilson regarding Iranian interference in the Kurdistan Region and its impact on American energy investments.
Congressman Wilson highlighted a recent agreement between the KRG and U.S. oil companies for the exploration and development of energy resources in the Kurdistan Region, valued in the billions of dollars. He warned, however, that growing Iranian influence over Baghdad threatens these efforts.
“But sadly, the regime in Tehran has impacted Baghdad, and it’s actually controlling the actions of Baghdad,” Wilson said. “Iran is intruding and trying to stop the agreements. What is being done to promote freedom and support the ability of the KRG to truly support the people of Iraq?”
In response, Secretary Rubio emphasized that Kurdish autonomy remains a central pillar of U.S. policy in Iraq. “We first have made clear that the lynchpin of our approach toward Iraq is the autonomy that the Kurdish population has in that part of the country,” he said. “Part of that is allowing them the economic lifeline that enables them to prosper and succeed.”
Rubio also reiterated that U.S. support for Iraq is contingent on respect for American companies operating in the country and for the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people. “Iraqi officials have expressed interest in a closer relationship with the United States, and we’ve explained to them that the core of that is respect for the companies operating in Iraq and respect for Kurdish autonomy,” he added.
Turning to the issue of Iranian influence, Rubio issued a stern warning. “Iranian influence continues to grow, unfortunately, in some sectors of Iraq’s elected government, and it poses a grave danger to the United States—including in the form of pro-Iran Shia militias, who have in the past struck against the United States and may do so again,” he said. “That’s unacceptable and must be addressed.”
The comments signal a firm stance from Washington in defense of its allies in the Kurdistan Region and against Iranian efforts to undermine U.S. strategic interests in Iraq.
(Source:Kurdistan24)
