Iraq, Syria sign deal to revive oil pipeline to Mediterranean
The agreement comes as Baghdad seeks alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions linked to the US-Israel war with Iran have sharply affected Iraqi exports
Iraq and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding to restore and modernize an oil pipeline running from Haditha in western Iraq to the Syrian Mediterranean port of Baniyas.
US energy giant Chevron will oversee the project, while a consortium including Chevron, Capital TI and Qatar’s UCC will conduct technical and feasibility studies.
The route would provide a new outlet for crude from the Kirkuk region, allowing Iraq to ship oil through the Mediterranean to European markets while reducing its reliance on existing export channels.
The agreement comes as Baghdad seeks alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions linked to the US-Israel war with Iran have sharply affected Iraqi exports. About 20% of the world’s oil and gas passed through the strait before the war began.
The pipeline, commonly known as the Kirkuk-Baniyas line, has been largely out of service since it was damaged during the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Washington has backed efforts to restore the route and said it expects American companies to play a role.
The project is part of a broader Iraqi push to deepen energy ties with the United States. Chevron also signed agreements this week advancing its potential entry into the West Qurna 2 and Nassiriya oilfields. West Qurna 2, one of the world’s largest oilfields, currently produces about 460,000 barrels per day.