Steven Fagin appointed interim head of US mission in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Steven Fagin has begun serving as interim chargé d’affaires at the US Mission in Iraq, replacing Joshua Harris, the embassy said. Fagin previously served as US ambassador to Yemen, interim chargé d’affaires and deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Baghdad, and consul general in Erbil. The embassy said Fagin brings extensive regional experience to the role. It added that his experience would support stronger US-Iraq relations and contribute to a future serving the interests of both countries’ peoples. Harris published a farewell message to Iraqis after completing his assignment. He said the United States would continue to support Iraq’s sovereignty, strengthen bilateral cooperation and combat terrorism, with the relationship focused on preserving Iraqi sovereignty, defeating terrorism and developing economic ties.