Michael Rigas, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, arrived in Baghdad on Monday as part of a Middle East tour aimed at reinforcing American diplomatic commitments across the region. His key mission: the formal inauguration of the expansive new U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, a facility described as one of the largest American diplomatic compounds in the world.

The visit, detailed in statements from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the State Department, is framed as an effort to strengthen bilateral ties. “This visit strengthens U.S.–Iraq ties through engagement with leaders and communities to advance shared goals of sovereignty and prosperity,” the embassy stated.

Rigas’s itinerary in Iraq includes meetings with senior Iraqi officials, tours of U.S. diplomatic facilities, and the high-profile opening ceremony in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. The State Department emphasized that the broader travel agenda “underscores the United States’ commitment to advancing stability, security, religious freedom, and prosperity across the region.” Following Iraq, Rigas is scheduled to visit Turkey and Israel.

The new consulate in Erbil represents a significant long-term investment in the U.S.-Iraq relationship, particularly with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). In March, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told Rudaw that the compound would "enhance diplomatic cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq."

Rigas’s arrival follows recent pointed comments from another U.S. official, Mark Savaya, the Special Envoy to Iraq appointed by President Donald Trump. Last week, Savaya hinted at imminent, significant developments, stating, “There are big changes coming in Iraq,” and promising that “everyone will see actions instead of words.” He provided no specific details, leaving the nature of these anticipated changes unclear.