More information about Iraq is available on the Iraq Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-Iraq Relations
The U.S. Mission in Iraq is dedicated to our enduring strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi people. The United States government and the U.S. Mission to Iraq are fully engaged with our Iraqi partners and the Iraqi people in our efforts to support a stable, prosperous, democratic, and unified Iraq.
In coordination with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the United States assisted Iraq’s efforts to achieve the December 2017 milestone of liberating the country from ISIS. Following the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq, the United States increased efforts to stabilize liberated areas, and our security relationship fully transitioned to an advise, enable, and assist role in December 2021. Iraq is now a key partner for the United States in the region as well as a voice of moderation and democracy in the Middle East. Iraq benefits from active government institutions, including an engaged legislature, and plays an increasingly constructive role in the region. The United States maintains vigorous and broad engagement with Iraq on diplomatic, political, economic, and security issues in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA).
The SFA between Iraq and the United States provides the foundation for the U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship. Covering a wide range of bilateral issues, including political relations and diplomacy, defense and security, trade and finance, energy, judicial and law enforcement issues, services, science, culture, education, and environment, it emphasizes the important relationship and common goals the two countries share. Efforts to implement the SFA are overseen by the Higher Coordinating Committee and several Joint Coordination Committees.
U.S. Assistance to Iraq
U.S. bilateral assistance to Iraq focuses on economic reform, assistance to vulnerable groups, human rights, and democracy and governance. We continue to help strengthen the capacity of Iraq’s civil society organizations and elected representatives. U.S. bilateral assistance aims not only to bolster Iraq’s democratic institutions, but also to preserve the strategic, political, and economic importance of the U.S.-Iraq partnership in a changing Middle East region. Since 2014, the United States has contributed billions of dollars in humanitarian, demining, and stabilization aid to conflict-affected and displaced Iraqis, including support for communities recovering from genocide.
U.S. security assistance supports the development of a modern, accountable, fiscally sustainable, and professional Iraqi military capable of defending Iraq and its borders. U.S. security assistance programs also promote civilian oversight of the military, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights, while simultaneously increasing the Iraqi military’s capability to respond to threats and conduct counter-terrorism operations. Embassy Baghdad maintains the Office of Security Cooperation – Iraq to further these goals and to facilitate Iraq’s role as a responsible security partner, contributing to the peace and security of the region.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The Iraqi government has stated its intention to transition from a centrally run economy to one that is market oriented. The United States is one of Iraq’s largest trading partners, and investment by U.S. companies has increased significantly in the last 10 years. To increase trade, the United States has designated Iraq as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences program and several U.S. companies are active in Iraq, including in the energy, defense, information technology, automotive, and transportation sectors. Two-way trade in goods in 2021 totaled $4.6 billion, with $0.8 billion in U.S. exports to Iraq and $3.8 billion of Iraqi exports to the United States, almost entirely consisting of crude oil. A Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the United States and Iraq came into force in 2013, and a U.S.-Iraq Trade and Investment Council established by the agreement met in 2014 and 2019. On the margins of the August 2020 bilateral Strategic Dialogue the Government of Iraq signed MOUs totaling $8 billion in potential deals with U.S. companies.
Iraq’s Membership in International Organizations
Iraq cooperates with international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the International Organization for Migration, the International Labor Organization, and the Arab League. Iraq is also a candidate for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Iraq maintains an embassy in the United States at 3421 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007; tel. 202-742-1600.
Information about Iraq is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Iraq Page
U.S. Embassy
USAID Iraq Page
History of U.S. Relations With Iraq
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Page
Travel Information
Source: U.S. Department of State
