Iraq appoints new ambassador to US

Iraq’s new Ambassador to the United States, Krikor Der-Hagopian, and US President Donald Trump. Photo: Iraqi Foreign Ministry Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s new Ambassador to the United States, Krikor Der-Hagopian, officially presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during a formal ceremony at the White House. According to a statement released by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Der-Hagopian’s mission aims to keep track of the outcomes of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States, working to build a new chapter in Iraqi-American relations, broadening strategic ties, and expanding political, economic, investment, and security cooperation to strengthen Iraq’s regional role and serve the interests of both countries. Der-Hagopian will work on advancing the economic, investment, energy, and security memoranda of understanding established during al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington in July. The appointment of the new ambassador marks an important shift in Baghdad’s diplomatic strategy. As an Armenian Christian, Der-Hagopian is the first non-Shiite envoy sent by Iraq to Washington in modern history. Der-Hagopian was educated in Denver, Colorado, and has prior experience working with former President Barham Saleh and former Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani. Foreign policy analysts see Der-Hagopian’s selection as a clear indication that Iraq is prioritizing highly skilled, strategic trust-builders to handle Baghdad’s relationship with Washington. Der-Hagopian follows diplomat Nizar al-Khairallah, who has held the position since June 2023.