BAGHDAD: Iraq’s cabinet has approved initial agreements to begin feasibility studies for a series of strategic oil pipeline projects aimed at expanding the country’s crude oil export capacity.
According to an official statement, the government has instructed the Basra Oil Company to sign a preliminary agreement and a non-disclosure agreement with an international consortium comprising U.S. companies and a Qatari firm.
The consortium will conduct technical and financial feasibility studies for proposed pipeline routes, including the Basra–Haditha–Kirkuk–Ceyhan corridor to Türkiye and the Basra–Haditha–Baniyas route to Syria, both of which could provide Iraq with additional oil export channels.
The cabinet emphasized that the preliminary agreements do not create any binding financial or legal obligations and are intended solely to facilitate technical and feasibility assessments.
In addition, the Basra Oil Company has been authorized to sign a consultancy agreement with a U.S. company to provide advisory services for the Basra–Haditha oil pipeline project.
Energy experts say the initiatives could significantly strengthen Iraq’s oil export infrastructure and enhance the country’s role in regional energy corridors.
