The United Kingdom has announced a change in its diplomatic mission to Iraq, replacing its current ambassador, Stephen Hitchen, with Irfan Siddiq, the British ambassador to Cyprus. This decision comes months after Hitchen faced criticism from the Iraqi government for allegedly interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed the appointment in a statement on Tuesday, stating, “Irfan Siddiq has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, succeeding Stephen Hitchen, who will be moving to another diplomatic position. Siddiq will assume his role in March 2025.”

Hitchen, who had been serving in Baghdad since July 2023, is transitioning to a new post after a 15-month tenure. The replacement follows a diplomatic row in August, when Iraq summoned the British chargé d'affaires to protest Hitchen’s comments on the country’s security situation. Hitchen had suggested that visitors might feel unsafe due to militia threats, despite improvements in Iraq's overall security.

In response, Iraq's Foreign Ministry accused Hitchen of painting "a bleak image" of the country and "interfering in internal affairs." The UK embassy later clarified that his remarks were taken out of context, emphasizing that Hitchen had acknowledged significant improvements in security while noting continued threats to British nationals.

Irfan Siddiq, who will be cutting short his term in Cyprus, has prior experience in volatile regions, including Sudan, where he was similarly criticized for his comments on the pace of democratic reforms. He will bring this background to his new role in Baghdad next year.

This change comes as the UK seeks to maintain its diplomatic relations with Iraq amidst delicate regional dynamics.