The U.S. is advancing talks to reopen an oil pipeline linking Iraq and Syria
that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reduce Iran's ability to
disrupt global energy flows. Special envoy Thomas Barrack has convened and Iraqi
Syrian officials and companies including Chevron to discuss restarting a
long-dormant route; while multiple new-route options are under consideration,
talks have focused on rebuilding the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, out of service for
more than 20 years. A U.S. State Department official said Washington is
supporting repairs to expand trade corridors and expects U.S. firms to play a
major role in construction. President Trump met Iraq's prime minister and said
“large-scale” new oil cooperation would be announced this week or next.
