Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani have agreed to accelerate efforts to reopen the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday.
The commitment was made during a phone call between the two leaders, during which they also discussed Iraq’s energy security, economic stability, and ongoing U.S.-Iraq strategic cooperation.
Economic Impact of the Pipeline Closure
Oil shipments from Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan Port have been suspended since March 25, 2023, following a ruling by the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration regarding oil exports between the two countries. The prolonged shutdown has reportedly inflicted over $23 billion in economic losses on Iraq, significantly impacting its oil revenue and national economy.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that both Rubio and al-Sudani acknowledged the urgency of restoring the pipeline’s operations and ensuring Iraq’s energy independence. They also agreed on the importance of honoring contractual agreements with U.S. companies to attract further foreign investment into Iraq’s energy sector.
Strategic and Security Concerns
Beyond economic matters, the leaders discussed broader geopolitical and security concerns, including Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and efforts to reduce Iran’s influence in the region. The ongoing fight against ISIL (Daesh) was also a key topic of discussion.
Rubio further reiterated Washington’s stance on Syria, stressing that it must not become a haven for terrorism or a threat to its neighbors.
The reopening of the Iraq-Turkey pipeline is expected to be a crucial step in restoring Iraq’s oil exports, stabilizing its economy, and strengthening its position as a key energy supplier in the region. However, the timeline for resuming operations remains uncertain as negotiations continue between the involved parties.
