Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Basim Mohammed Khudair, announced that the government is moving forward with plans to establish a new crude oil pipeline system linking Basra to Fishkhabur and onward to Turkey’s Ceyhan port on the Mediterranean. The project also includes a branch extending from Haditha to Syria’s Baniyas port, as part of Baghdad’s efforts to diversify its oil export routes.

Khudair explained during the Iraqi delegation’s visit to Washington that the initiative is being developed in cooperation with a consortium comprising U.S. companies Capital TA and Chevron, Qatar’s UCC Holding, and an Iraqi oil company. He noted that the Council of Ministers has approved the signing of preliminary, non-binding agreements and the commencement of feasibility studies.

The minister did not disclose the detailed route of the northern section of the pipeline, clarifying that the reference to Fishkhabur indicates a northern endpoint or connection point, without specifying whether the line will pass entirely through federal government territory, the Kurdistan Region, or both.

According to Khudair, these plans are part of Iraq’s broader strategy to expand export options and reduce reliance on a single outlet, particularly in light of disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. He emphasized that Iraq began working on diversifying export routes even before the conflict, stressing that a country with vast oil reserves should not depend on a single export channel. No timeline, final cost, or guaranteed export capacity for the project has yet been announced.

The minister highlighted that discussions held by the Iraqi delegation in Washington, following Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, focused on attracting global companies to Iraq’s energy sector. He confirmed joint support for expanding American investments in the country.

Khudair added that the government aims to bring in major U.S. companies to work in exploration, production, and refining, naming Chevron and ExxonMobil among the targeted firms. Talks with Chevron covered four key areas: West Qurna 2 field, four blocks near Nasiriyah, Balad field, and strategic pipeline infrastructure projects. While exclusive negotiations with Chevron regarding West Qurna 2 had been previously announced, no final contracts, investment volumes, or timelines for other projects were disclosed.

He further noted that Iraq continues to advance gas development projects, citing Akkas and Mansuriya fields, TotalEnergies’ Ratawi project, and fields included in the fifth supplemental and sixth licensing rounds. Iraq aims to harness greater volumes of gas to power electricity stations, boost domestic production, and create new opportunities for U.S. energy companies.

On oil production, Khudair stated that Iraq is engaged in ongoing negotiations within the OPEC+ alliance to secure a larger quota for increased output and exports. Prime Minister Al-Zaidi has reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to remain a member of OPEC while calling for a fairer production share that reflects the country’s circumstances.

Khudair concluded by underscoring that Iraq’s partnership with the United States will yield mutual benefits. No comments have yet been issued by Chevron, Capital TA, UCC Holding, or ExxonMobil regarding the proposed projects, which remain within the framework of initial government plans pending the signing of final agreements and issuance of technical documentation.