Washington: The United States is supporting efforts by Iraq and Syria to revive a crude pipeline between the two countries, which could reduce Iran's ability to block oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a State Department official said on Tuesday.The U.S. expects American companies to play a role in advancing the construction of theKirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, which has been mostly out of service since suffering damage during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.Also read: Trump says US will be 'taking a lot of oil out' of Iraq as US aims to do a lot of dealsThe revitalized pipeline would run from Iraqi oilfields near Kirkuk to Syria's western coast. It is one of several efforts by oil producers in the Middle East to lessen dependence on the strait, through which 20% of the world's oil and gas flowed before the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.The United States has re-imposed a blockade of the chokepoint between Iran and Oman after strikes on ships in the strait that Washington blamed on Iran.Also read: US issues new Iran-related sanctions and a general licenseBloomberg reported earlier on Tuesday that Chevron could play a role in rebuilding the pipeline."As a matter of policy we do not comment on third party statements or matters of a commercial nature," Chevron said in response to a Reuters request for comment.
US supporting efforts to revive Iraq-Syria crude oil pipeline, US official says
The United States backs Iraq and Syria's pipeline revival efforts. This project aims to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for oil transport. American companies are expected to assist in rebuilding the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline. This initiative seeks to lessen Middle Eastern oil producers' dependence on the strait. Washington has re-imposed a blockade on the chokepoint after recent ship strikes.
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