Iraq has nominated veteran Iraqi-Armenian diplomat Krikor Der-Hagopian as its next ambassador to the United States, a move that underscores Baghdad’s efforts to strengthen relations with Washington while highlighting the country’s long-standing religious and ethnic diversity.

Der-Hagopian, an experienced diplomat who has served in a number of diplomatic and political positions, currently serves as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. If confirmed by the United States, he would become Iraq’s first non-Muslim ambassador to Washington in decades.

The nomination comes as Iraq seeks to broaden its partnership with the United States beyond traditional security cooperation. Iraqi officials say Baghdad is increasingly focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, technology, and economic development.

Analysts also view the appointment as a significant recognition of Iraq’s Armenian community, which has been an integral part of the country's social fabric for nearly a century.

Thousands of Armenians sought refuge in Iraq during and after the Armenian Genocide in the early twentieth century, establishing communities in Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Kirkuk, and other cities. Over the decades, Iraqi Armenians founded churches, schools, businesses, and cultural institutions, contributing significantly to the country's economic, cultural, and social development while preserving their language and heritage.

Today, Iraq’s Armenian community remains one of the oldest in the Middle East, and Der-Hagopian’s nomination is widely seen as reflecting the important role that Iraq’s diverse religious and ethnic communities continue to play in public service and national life.

The nomination also coincides with renewed efforts by Baghdad and Washington to deepen bilateral relations. While security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership, both countries have increasingly emphasized expanding ties in investment, energy, technology, and broader economic cooperation.

If approved by the U.S. government, Der-Hagopian would become the first diplomat of Armenian descent to represent Iraq in Washington, marking a historic milestone in Iraqi diplomacy and reinforcing the country's commitment to diversity and inclusive representation in its state institutions.