US backs Iraq-Syria oil pipeline restoration project

The United States has expressed support for efforts by Iraq and Syria to restore a crude oil pipeline connecting the two countries, a State Department official said on Tuesday. Washington expects American companies to participate in the repair and rehabilitation work on the pipeline, according to the official. The project could allow oil producers to transport crude via an alternative route, reducing dependence on passage through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s coast.

The pipeline restoration represents a significant shift in regional energy dynamics. If completed, the project would provide Iraq and Syria with a more direct export route that bypasses critical chokepoints in the Persian Gulf, where roughly one-third of the world’s traded oil passes through. This alternative pathway could enhance energy security for both nations and reduce their vulnerability to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

American involvement in the project signals broader US engagement in Iraqi-Syrian relations following years of regional instability. The participation of US companies could also boost American economic interests whilst supporting regional stability. The pipeline, which has suffered from years of damage due to conflict and neglect, would require substantial investment and technical expertise to return to operational status.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.