US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Wednesday called for the swift formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) following the October parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a press conference, Miller emphasized the importance of resolving key disputes between Baghdad and Erbil, including issues related to the federal budget and the resumption of Kurdish oil production.

The comments came as Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran, visited Erbil earlier that day. Taylor met with senior Kurdish leaders as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing engagement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

According to Shafaq News, Taylor delivered a message from President-elect Donald Trump during her visit to Baghdad prior to traveling to Erbil. The message underscored Trump’s firm stance against Iranian influence in the region, urging Iraq to bolster its independence from Tehran and address the proliferation of arms among pro-Iran militias.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, who was in London during Taylor’s visit, reportedly welcomed the incoming administration’s position. Taylor, meanwhile, held discussions with other Iraqi officials regarding US concerns over regional security and stability.

The visit and message reflect Washington’s continued efforts to maintain balanced relations with Iraq while addressing broader geopolitical challenges, particularly Iran’s influence and militia activities, which remain key concerns for US policymakers.