Nechirvan Barzani, US consul discuss cabinet formation, Iraq political process

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received U.S. Consul General Gwendolyn Green on Monday for talks on the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the presidency said.

The meeting focused on “the political landscape in the Kurdistan Region and the necessary steps for forming the new cabinet.” Both sides stressed “the significance of collaboration and understanding among political factions to ensure the success of the political process.”

The Kurdistan Region held parliamentary elections in October 2024, but major parties have struggled to agree on a coalition to form the new government more than a year after the vote. The Kurdistan Democratic Party won the largest share at 39 seats, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan with 23 and the New Generation Movement with 15.

Barzani and Green also reviewed Iraq’s political process, including the presidential election and efforts to form a new federal government. They agreed on “the necessity of achieving success in the political process and upholding political stability within the country.”

Iraq’s government formation has stalled since the 2025 elections. Parliament postponed a session to elect the president earlier this month without setting a new date, leaving the country under a caretaker government.

The Shiite Coordination Framework nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, sparking debate within Iraq. President Donald Trump said the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office.

The talks also covered “the situation in Syria and broader regional developments,” according to the statement.