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US, Iraq, Syria plan Mediterranean pipeline deal to bypass Strait of Hormuz
🇬🇷 Greece /Energy & Infrastructure

US, Iraq, Syria plan Mediterranean pipeline deal to bypass Strait of Hormuz

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The US, Iraq, and Syria are planning to reopen the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline to create an alternative export route for Iraqi oil, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The deal, which could be announced next week during a meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and U.S. President Donald Trump, involves restoring a pipeline that has been non-operational for decades.
  • The project is technically and financially complex, estimated to take two to three years to complete, and involves American companies in enhancing Middle East energy security.

The United States, Iraq, and Syria are reportedly planning to revive the historic Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline. This initiative aims to establish a new route for exporting Iraqi crude oil, circumventing the critical Strait of Hormuz.

According to Middle East Eye, citing Iraqi and regional officials, the agreement to restore the approximately 800-kilometer pipeline is expected to be announced during an upcoming meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline has been out of service for decades, suffering extensive damage that makes its restoration a demanding task.

The project faces significant challenges due to its technical and financial complexities. A senior official told Middle East Eye that the most likely scenario involves a complete replacement of the existing pipeline. The project is estimated to take two to three years to complete, contingent on securing necessary funding and regional stability.

American companies have reportedly been selected to participate in the project, which is considered vital for the Middle East's energy security. Their involvement is expected to strengthen U.S.-Iraq cooperation in energy and infrastructure. If successful, the new pipeline would allow Iraq to export oil to the Mediterranean without relying on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The most likely scenario is the complete replacement of the existing pipeline.

— Senior officialDescribing the potential scope of the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline restoration project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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