The US is proceeding with negotiations on an oil pipeline that will transport Iraqi oil to Syria. Since it avoids the Strait of Hormuz, it will weaken Iran's influence on global energy supply in the future. According to people familiar with the matter, Thomas Barrack, the US special envoy on Syria and Iraq, has summoned officials from the two countries and companies such as Chevron to discuss restarting a long-deactivated pipeline leading from Iraq to the west coast of Syria. People familiar with the matter said that although various parties are considering several new routes, discussions are focused on reconstructing the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been closed for more than 20 years. A US State Department official confirmed that the US government supports the efforts of Iraq and Syria to strengthen trade routes by repairing pipelines between the two countries, and expects US companies to play a role in its construction. Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi at the White House and said he would announce a “huge” new oil partnership this week or next.

The US is proceeding with negotiations on an oil pipeline that will transport Iraqi oil to Syria. Since it avoids the Strait of Hormuz, it will weaken Iran's influence on global energy supply in the future. According to people familiar with the matter, Thomas Barrack, the US special envoy on Syria and Iraq, has summoned officials from the two countries and companies such as Chevron to discuss restarting a long-deactivated pipeline leading from Iraq to the west coast of Syria. People familiar with the matter said that although various parties are considering several new routes, discussions are focused on reconstructing the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been closed for more than 20 years. A US State Department official confirmed that the US government supports the efforts of Iraq and Syria to strengthen trade routes by repairing pipelines between the two countries, and expects US companies to play a role in its construction. Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi at the White House and said he would announce a “huge” new oil partnership this week or next.