The project centers on a massive trunk line running from Basra to Haditha, a segment already under construction by KBR. From this hub, Baghdad envisions two distinct exit points: a northern link to Ceyhan, Turkey, and a western path to Baniyas, Syria. While the Kirkuk-Baniyas line has remained largely dormant since 2003, Washington recently signaled support for its restoration as a key component of regional energy security.
Iraq Pivots West: Pipelines Aim to Bypass Hormuz Chokepoint
Iraq is aggressively pursuing a westward energy corridor to bypass the volatile Strait of Hormuz, enlisting Chevron and Qatar’s UCC to study routes that would link southern oilfields to Mediterranean ports in Turkey and Syria. The strategy aims to secure export capacity for 2.5 million barrels per day.
This infrastructure push coincides with rising regional tensions. A drone strike targeted a vessel near the Basra Oil Terminal this Thursday, the second such incident in as many days. Despite the proximity of the threat to facilities handling over 3 million barrels per day, the Oil Ministry maintains that operations remain uninterrupted. Beyond the pipeline feasibility studies, Chevron is expanding its footprint in Iraq, negotiating agreements for the West Qurna 2 and Nassiriya fields to solidify its role in the country’s long-term export strategy.
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