Syrian President Unveils Strategic Project to Link Iraqi Oil to Syrian Ports, Secure Export Route

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa unveiled a project to connect Iraq's oil fields with Syrian ports, aiming to secure a safe passage for its products. This announcement came during an open dialogue at the Atlantic Council, following his meeting with Al-Zaidi. Al-Sharaa explained that Syria inherited a "very heavy legacy" from what he described as the "American war on Iraq," which, he stated, led to increased Iranian influence and control over some vital sectors. He noted that the current Iraqi Prime Minister "carries a very heavy legacy," confirming a recent tripartite meeting with him, attended by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack. He added that "prohibited militias operate outside state institutions," and the Iraqi Prime Minister is working to control their weapons and bring them under state authority. Al-Sharaa further stated that Syria shares "long borders with Iraq" and seeks to establish "economic ties" between the two countries to improve relations for their mutual benefit. He also clarified that efforts are underway to secure a safe corridor for Iraqi products, particularly oil, through Syria. The President highlighted that the project to link Iraqi oil fields with Syrian maritime ports offers an alternative to the Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal routes. He recalled that this pathway was active since the 1950s but ceased due to poor political relations between the two countries. Current attempts are now focused on "addressing the errors and problems that occurred over the past half-century."