Why It Matters

The arrival of Nozan Jaffar Mustafa and Sheik Jaffar Mustafa as first-time federal lobbyists signals a strategic pivot by Kurdistan’s leadership. These individuals are deploying elite Washington firepower—Hogan Lovells US LLP—at a moment of acute regional crisis.

Iran-backed militias have launched roughly 22 drone strikes on Kurdistan, damaging oil fields and reducing output by 150,000 barrels daily. Their lobbying team—veterans of the House Intelligence Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee—can navigate these conversations with precision.

This isn’t redundant. The KRG already maintains separate lobbying through BGR Government Affairs LLC, suggesting a two-track strategy where individual leaders lobby on distinct objectives outside official channels.

By the Numbers

Hogan Lovells US LLP registered the Mustafa clients on February 17, 2025, assembling a four-person team with substantial foreign policy credentials:

  • Daniel Dolan Winkler: Recently served as Senior Adviser to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) until January 2025, bringing nine years of Senate experience.

  • Timothy Scott Bergreen: 18-year congressional veteran who served as Staff Director for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

  • Aaron Scot Cutler: Over six years as House committee counsel on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources.

  • Eduardo Ivan Zapien: Nearly five years in the Senate, including Chief of Staff to Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Agenda

Two Kurdish leaders hired elite Washington lobbyists to influence U.S. foreign policy on "issues relating to regional geo-politics."

The timing suggests focus on urgent security concerns. Iranian-backed militias have conducted at least 22 drone strikes on Kurdistan recently. Congressional allies, particularly Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), have pledged action. The H.R. 1890 Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act signals Congress is reassessing Turkey’s strategic role—directly relevant to Kurdish interests.

The broader context includes Iraq’s ongoing political transition and Syria’s transformation following Assad’s fall, creating openings for Kurdish leaders to cultivate direct Washington relationships beyond official Kurdistan Regional Government lobbying channels.

Broader Context

The engagement arrives amid escalating security threats and significant geopolitical shifts affecting Kurdistan. Iranian-backed militias have intensified drone attacks targeting oil infrastructure. The collapse of Assad’s regime has disrupted Iran’s regional supply lines while creating new instability.

Iraq’s political transition creates an extended window for individual Kurdish leaders to cultivate Washington relationships. Recent congressional focus underscores U.S. commitment: the House Armed Services Committee hearing highlighted Iran as the primary regional threat, while bipartisan engagement includes recent meetings with Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE).

Between The Lines

Congress is actively engaged on these precise issues. The H.R. 1890 – Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act signals congressional intent to reassess Turkey’s NATO alignment—with direct consequences for Kurdistan’s security.

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) has been particularly vocal, expressing grave concern about Iranian-backed militia attacks and vowing to cut U.S. funding to Iraq over the issue. Recent hearings underscore heightened legislative focus on regional threats.

Competitive Landscape

Kurdistan isn’t lobbying alone. The Government of Kurdistan, Iraq maintains separate lobbying through BGR Government Affairs LLC, focusing on broader diplomatic relations.

This dual approach suggests these individuals are pursuing distinct agenda items beyond what the KRG’s official representatives are advancing, reflecting the complexity of Kurdish interests in Washington.

The Bottom Line

Two senior Kurdistan figures have engaged Hogan Lovells US LLP to lobby on regional geopolitics amid escalating security threats. The team’s intelligence and foreign relations experience positions them to navigate ongoing congressional debates about Iran, Turkey, and Middle East stability during a favorable environment for advocacy efforts.

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