US, Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government discuss reopening Iraq-Türkiye oil pipeline

The United States and Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on Friday discussed the reopening of the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline, according to U.S. State Department.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to underscore the “strong partnership” between the U.S. and the KRG in expanding business opportunities, promoting regional stability, and strengthening democracy, according to a statement by spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“The Secretary and Prime Minister agreed that reopening the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline immediately is crucial to protecting past U.S. investments and attracting future investment,” Bruce said.

Oil flow from Iraq to Türkiye halted in 2023

Oil flow from Iraq to Türkiye’s Ceyhan Port was halted on March 25, 2023, following an arbitration ruling by the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce concerning oil exports between Türkiye and Iraq.

Further disruption came after the Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes centered in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras, which impacted the pipeline’s infrastructure.

In April 2024, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Türkiye was not responsible for the ongoing issues surrounding the pipeline. He noted that the infrastructure had been ready for operation since Oct. 4, 2023, but unresolved disputes between the northern Iraqi administration and Baghdad had prevented its reactivation.

The halt in oil exports from Iraq to Türkiye has reportedly cost the region an estimated $23 billion.