The US backs Iraq-Syria oil pipeline to weaken Iran’s Hormuz hold.
- The United States is pushing talks for a pipeline that would transport oil from Iraq to Syria, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and reducing Iran's future influence over global energy supply.
- According to persons familiar with the situation, Thomas Barrack, the United States' special envoy for Syria and Iraq, has met with officials from both nations as well as firms such as Chevron to propose rebuilding a long-defunct pipeline from Iraq to Syria's western coast. While numerous routes for new links are being investigated, discussions are centered on restoring the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been closed for more than two decades, according to the sources.