Kurdistan Leaders Hail the Opening of New U.S. Mega-Consulate in Erbil

The United States officially opened its massive new consulate compound in Erbil, now the largest American consulate in the world, built on a 206,000-square-meter site at a cost of around $800 million.

During the ceremony, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas described the new facility as a powerful symbol of Washington’s long-term partnership with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, emphasizing that it represents both strategic investment and America’s “America First” agenda through security cooperation, commerce, and regional stability.

Kurdish leaders, including President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, praised the deep historical ties between the U.S. and the Kurdish people—from the fight against Saddam Hussein to the battle against ISIS—highlighting that the consulate reaffirms a durable political and security relationship.

The opening also came amid heightened tensions following a recent drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field, which Kurdish and U.S. officials attribute to Iran-aligned militias.

Rigas urged Baghdad and Erbil to take steps to confront these groups. He also noted that the Kurdistan Region remains a key entry point for American companies, aligning with President Trump’s focus on “commerce over conflict,” signaling that the new compound stands not only as a diplomatic site but also as a base for future economic growth and cooperation.