Iraq weighs pipeline alternatives as Strait of Hormuz risk persists despite Iran-US deal

PARIS, France — Iraq is reviewing alternative export routes for its oil because of its continued reliance on the Strait of Hormez and uncertainty over sea-land transit corridors, even after a reported agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities. Although Iran has at times allowed passage through the strait, Iraqi exports have been heavily disrupted, and analysts say Baghdad will need to reassess every pipeline option once the conflict subsides. The options on the table include the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, the Haditha-Baniyas line, the Haditha-Jordan-Aqaba route, and the former Kirkuk-Yanbu pipeline, now under Saudi control. On the Kirkuk-Ceyhan line, Turkey is reportedly pressing for tougher terms in negotiations following a Paris court ruling. The Haditha-Baniyas line would require either renovating the existing pipeline or building a new one, as current tanker shipments are deemed economically insufficient. The Haditha-Jordan-Aqaba route has long faced political objections, with threats reported against the pipeline over claims that its oil would reach Israel. Analysts cited in the reporting argue that Iraq's entire oil policy, including extraction, refining, petrochemicals and tanker procurement, needs to be reassessed from the ground up.