Iraq-Syria Pipeline Project Aims to Bypass Hormuz, Boost Oil Exports
Iraq and Syria are planning to revive an old oil pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, with the goal of completing the project within three years. The pipeline, which will run from Iraq's Kirkuk oil fields to Syria's Mediterranean coast, is seen as a strategic move to mitigate the risks associated with the Hormuz Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The project involves constructing two pipelines with a capacity of up to 2 million barrels per day. The United States has expressed support for the initiative, viewing it as a way to reduce Iran's influence over the Strait and enhance regional stability.