U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reiterated Washington’s commitment to preserving the autonomy of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, calling it the “linchpin” of American policy toward Iraq and urging respect for Kurdish economic partnerships, including recent energy agreements with U.S. firms.

Testifying before the House Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio emphasized that Kurdish autonomy is central to U.S. strategy in Iraq. “The linchpin of our approach toward Iraq is that autonomy that the Kurdish population has… and part of that is allowing them the economic lifeline that allows them to prosper and succeed,” he said.

His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Representative Joe Wilson over Iran’s growing influence in Baghdad and reported attempts to disrupt energy deals between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and American companies.

Rubio acknowledged the challenge posed by Iranian interference, stating, “Iranian influence has continued to grow, unfortunately, in some sectors of [Iraq’s] elected government and poses a grave danger to the United States.” He also warned of threats from pro-Iran Shia militias, calling the situation “unacceptable” and demanding action.

The hearing followed the KRG’s signing of two major energy agreements with U.S.-based firms HKN Energy and WesternZagros during Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to Washington. The deals focus on developing the Miran and Topkhana-Kurdamir natural gas fields, key projects aimed at boosting the region’s energy independence.

The Kurdistan Region, home to vast untapped oil and gas reserves, has long sought foreign investment despite ongoing disputes with Iraq’s federal government over resource control. Rubio stressed that the future of U.S.-Iraq relations hinges on Baghdad’s willingness to respect American business interests and uphold Kurdish constitutional rights.

The U.S. stance signals continued support for the KRG amid regional tensions, reinforcing Kurdistan’s role as a strategic partner in a volatile Iraq.