Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with a high-level U.S. delegation led by Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack in Erbil, calling for an end to the political stalemate in Erbil by urgently establishing a new government, and emphasized the need to back Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's new federal government to drive economic development.

The high-level U.S. delegation included Joshua Harris, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Major General Kevin J. Lambert, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

The KRG issued a statement on Tuesday noting that the discussions centered on the current political and security developments across the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader region.

Barrack’s visit—aimed at discussing U.S.–Iraq relations, the disarmament of armed groups amid the newly formed federal government in May, and economic cooperation—aligned with the Iraqi Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to Washington.

The envoy's meetings concurrently covered Erbil–Washington ties and the ongoing political impasse in the Kurdistan Region regarding the formation of its new cabinet. 

The tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Region has not yet been formed, months following the last election, due to ongoing disputes between political parties; however, in recent weeks, initiatives were presented by either faction to resolve the stalemate hindering the political process. 

Barrack Relays Trump’s 'Special Respect' for Kurdish Leadership 

Barzani conveyed the Kurdistan Region's appreciation for ongoing U.S. support and emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Barrack hailed the progress and prosperity of the Kurdistan Region, noting that "President [Donald] Trump has a special respect for the Kurdish people, the Kurdistan Region, and the leadership of President Masoud Barzani."

Both sides agreed to expand trade ties and boost U.S. corporate investment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly within the energy sector.

U.S. and KRG Agree on Urgency to Reactivate Parliament 

Additionally, they agreed on "the importance of reactivating the Kurdistan Parliament, forming a new KRG cabinet, and ending the political stalemate as soon as possible."

Call for Constitutional Resolution to Erbil-Baghdad Disputes 

The leaders underlined their commitment to backing Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s new federal cabinet, framing it as vital for driving economic growth and ensuring equal public services for all Iraqi communities.

They further stressed that resolving outstanding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad must be handled strictly through constitutional mechanisms.