The IEA Secretary-General calls for the construction of a new Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline to reshape the energy transport landscape in the Middle East, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), proposed the construction of a new oil pipeline to connect the Basra oil field in Iraq with the Mediterranean oil terminal in Ceyhan, Turkey, in order to change the current energy transportation pattern dependent on the Strait of Hormuz. Birol said in an interview, "I believe that the Basra-Ceyhan pipeline project is very attractive for Iraq, Turkey, and regional supply security, it is a very important project, especially from a European perspective." He added, "I also believe that the financing issue can be overcome, and now is the best time to move this project forward." Last Saturday, Iran re-imposed restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and less than 24 hours ago, Iran had just announced the reopening of the waterway to commercial vessels. Several liquefied natural gas transport ships have turned back on their voyages after Iran issued warnings to captains that the crucial waterway is once again closed to navigation. Birol pointed out in the interview that Iraq relies on the Strait of Hormuz to export oil from its southern port of Basra. The Basra region has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, estimated at around 90 billion barrels, accounting for about 90% of the country's oil exports. Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Birol metaphorically said, "Once the vase is broken, it is difficult to restore." He stated that a new oil pipeline is "essential for Iraq, an opportunity for Turkey, and a major opportunity for European supply security. I believe this should be seen as a strategic project." He also mentioned that to realize this project, Turkey and Iraq need to reach a political consensus. "I believe this is achievable." He also pointed out that the financing of the project can also seek support from Europe. It is reported that Turkey has previously proposed extending the Tur-Iraq pipeline, which connects Ceyhan with the northern Kirkuk oil field, southward as part of the billions of dollars TRADELINK project. This channel will extend from the Faou port in Basra province in southern Iraq to northern Turkey. In addition, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan have recently agreed to modernize their railway and road systems, aiming to ultimately build a continuous route connecting southern Europe with the Persian Gulf. After the US-supported "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor" project was hindered by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Turkey has gradually become a more viable alternative. The corridor was originally planned to build a railway network in the Arabian Peninsula. However, due to attacks by Houthi militants on Red Sea shipping and intensified regional instability, the corridor has effectively stalled.