The United States has expressed support for Iraq and Syria's plan to rebuild the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, which would transport Iraqi crude to Syria's Mediterranean coast and provide an export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters and other reports, Washington views the project as a way to reduce the risk of future disruptions to Iraqi oil exports and limit Iran's leverage over the strategic waterway. The U.S. also expects American companies, including Chevron, to participate in the pipeline's reconstruction.
The pipeline project is one of several export corridor options under discussion by Iraq and Syria, with alternative routes through Turkey or Jordan also being considered. Earlier this month, Iraq authorized Basra Oil Company to sign a preliminary agreement with U.S. firms to study new oil pipeline projects.
The initiative gained momentum after the Strait of Hormuz crisis exposed Iraq's heavy dependence on the waterway, forcing production cuts and causing significant export revenue losses. The project was also discussed during U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.