The United States is backing efforts to revive a long-dormant oil pipeline linking Iraq to Syria’s Mediterranean coast in a move aimed at creating an alternative export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported.

According to the report, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack has been holding talks with Iraqi and Syrian officials, as well as major energy companies including Chevron, about restoring the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been out of service for more than two decades. A U.S. State Department official confirmed Washington supports rehabilitating the pipeline to strengthen trade between Iraq and Syria and expects American companies to play a role in the project.

The renewed push comes after the recent conflict in the Middle East exposed the world’s heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. With shipping through the strategic waterway severely disrupted during the fighting, regional governments have intensified efforts to develop alternative routes capable of moving oil to international markets without relying on the narrow passage.

The proposed route would transport Iraqi crude to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where it could be exported directly to global markets. Bloomberg reported that Chevron, TotalEnergies SE, and Qatar XRG Holding have all participated in discussions, though the companies declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment.

Significant obstacles remain. Portions of the proposed route would pass through western Iraq and eastern Syria, where security concerns persist. Syria’s energy infrastructure also suffered extensive damage during years of civil war, meaning major reconstruction would be required before the pipeline could become operational.

Iraq has been accelerating plans to diversify its export routes. In recent months, Baghdad approved an expansion of the Basra-Haditha pipeline, while discussions have also continued over additional routes that could eventually connect to Syria, Jordan, or Turkey. Iraqi officials have also explored linking their network with Syria’s Mediterranean ports as relations between the two countries continue to improve.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)