Iraq nominates Armenian-origin diplomat Krikor Der-Hagopian as ambassador to the United States

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has nominated Krikor Der-Hagopian, a diplomat of Armenian origin, as its next ambassador to the United States, the Iraqi government said. Der-Hagopian is a career diplomat who has held diplomatic posts throughout his professional career. The nomination is viewed as part of Baghdad's effort to strengthen ties with Washington. The Iraqi government said the appointment is also expected to support ongoing strategic partnership talks between the two countries. The proposal will now go through the U.S. approval process before Der-Hagopian can formally assume the role. Officials said the choice reflects Iraq's approach of drawing ambassadors from its diverse ethnic and religious communities for overseas representation. No further details on the timeline for the U.S. review were immediately available.