Latest news with #StevenFagin
Shafaq News
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Security Chief defends Iran border memorandum
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji met US Chargé d'Affaires Steven Fagin on Saturday to discuss the recent border security memorandum between Baghdad and Tehran. According to a statement from the adviser's office, al-Araji outlined the document, which provides for tighter border control, anti-smuggling measures, and action against infiltration, confirming that "Iraq's policies are guided by national interests and sovereignty, while pursuing balanced relations with both regional and international partners." Fagin, in turn, reaffirmed US support for Iraq's balanced diplomacy, praised ongoing efforts to return displaced families, and noted plans for an international conference in New York to press countries to repatriate nationals from Syria's al-Hol camp. The memorandum, signed last week in Baghdad under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's sponsorship, was presented by Iraqi officials as a memorandum of understanding rather than a binding treaty. Washington rejected the deal, calling it 'inconsistent with US objectives' and harmful to Iraq's existing security institutions. Iraq countered that it is a sovereign step to strengthen stability and border security.
Iraqi News
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
US Embassy in Baghdad remains without confirmed ambassador
Baghdad ( – The United States has yet to appoint a new ambassador to Iraq, leaving the embassy in Baghdad under the temporary leadership of Steven Fagin, who assumed duties as Chargé d'Affaires interim in late May. The position has been vacant since the departure of Alina Romanowski earlier this year. While diplomatic work continues, the absence of a Senate-confirmed ambassador highlights delays in Washington's nomination and approval process. So far, the White House has not announced a successor. Fagin, a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador to Yemen, is currently overseeing the embassy's operations and engagement with Iraqi officials. A member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, he has held previous assignments in Iraq, including Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad (2020–2021) and Consul General in Erbil (2018–2020). The vacancy reflects a broader trend of prolonged appointments across key U.S. missions, especially in complex diplomatic posts like Iraq. There is no timeline yet for a formal nomination.
Shafaq News
15-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq signs development agreement with US firm HKN for Hamrin oil field
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Ministry of Oil announced on Tuesday the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the North Oil Company and US-based HKN Energy to invest in and develop the Hamrin oil field. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Baghdad, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to working with 'reputable' American, Western, and international energy companies to develop Iraq's oil fields, optimize associated gas investment, and boost production capacity in support of the national economy. 'We aim to increase Hamrin's production capacity to 60,000 barrels per day, in addition to utilizing between 45 to 50 million standard cubic feet (Mscf) of associated gas to help fuel Iraq's power plants,' he said, pointing out that the field is currently producing between 20,000 and 25,000 barrels per day, despite prevailing economic and security challenges. US Ambassador Steven Fagin welcomed the agreement, considering it encouraging to see an American company investing in Iraq. HKN Vice President Matthew Zais expressed pride in the partnership, stating that the goal is to employ 80% local Iraqi labor and contribute to the development of the local community in the area of operations.
Shafaq News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Following US warning, Iraqi PM meets American diplomat
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met, on Sunday, with the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Steven Fagin, discussing bilateral relations and reviewing key areas of cooperation across various sectors. According to a statement delivered by al-Sudani's media office, the two sides also addressed regional developments and emphasized the importance of the international community taking direct steps to prevent the region from sliding into a cycle of conflict. The meeting came a day after the US reiterated its concerns over the role of Iranian-backed armed groups operating under Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), calling on the Iraqi government to take stronger action to hold them accountable for illegal activity. A US State Department spokesperson told Shafaq News that some elements within the PMF maintain ties to designated foreign terrorist organizations and are engaged in activities that Washington views as destabilizing to Iraq's security. US officials have repeatedly raised alarms about several groups within or closely associated with the PMF that are subject to American terrorism designations or sanctions, such as Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, citing their links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) and their involvement in attacks against US forces in Iraq.
Shafaq News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraqi FM tackles finance, KRG oil with US diplomat
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met on Thursday with Steven Fagin, the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad, to discuss ongoing financial disputes with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), as well as the management of oil fields located within the Kurdistan Region. According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides reviewed the latest political developments in Iraq, with particular attention to the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil and the financial challenges tied to that relationship. The talks also touched on the status of US companies operating in the Kurdistan Region and the broader issue of oil governance in the area. Minister Hussein emphasized the need for 'practical solutions that ensure fair management of national resources and deliver benefits to all Iraqis.' He also reaffirmed the Iraqi government's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States across various sectors and supporting political and economic stability in the country, in line with shared national interests. Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad have escalated sharply following the Iraqi Ministry of Finance's decision to halt salary disbursements for the Kurdistan Region's May 2025 payroll. The ministry cited the KRG's alleged failure to remit both oil and non-oil revenues to the federal treasury and exceeding its budget allocation.
