Lates News

The United States is advancing negotiations on an oil pipeline that will bypass the Strait of Hormuz, transporting oil from Iraq to Syria in order to reduce Iran's future influence on global energy supply. According to sources, US Special Representative for Syria and Iraq, Thomas Barak, has convened officials from both countries and companies including Exxon Mobil to discuss restarting a long-dormant oil pipeline from Iraq to the west coast of Syria. Although multiple new route options are being considered, the focus of the talks is on rebuilding the Kirkuk to Banias pipeline, which has been out of operation for over twenty years. A State Department official confirmed that the US government is supporting Iraq and Syria in restoring the oil pipeline between the two countries to broaden trade routes, and expects US companies to play a key role in its construction. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump met with the Iraqi prime minister at the White House and stated that a "large-scale" new oil partnership will be announced this week or next.