By Selcan Hacaoglu

Apr 19, 2026 – The Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has suggested constructing a new oil pipeline that would connect Iraq’s Basra oil fields to Turkey’s Mediterranean oil terminal in Ceyhan. This project aims to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet.

In an interview with Hürriyet, Birol stated, “I think a Basra–Ceyhan pipeline could be a very attractive and significant project for both Iraq and Turkey, as well as for regional supply security—particularly from Europe’s perspective. I also believe we can solve the financing issue. Now is the perfect time to move forward.”

Recently, Iran reinstated restrictions on vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after declaring it open for commercial ships. Several liquefied natural gas tankers had to change their routes after Iran warned that the important waterway was once again closed to maritime traffic.

Birol explained that Iraq relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz to export oil from the Gulf port of Basra, which holds around 90 billion barrels of oil—one of the largest reserves globally and responsible for about 90% of Iraq’s oil exports.

He noted, “The vase has been broken once, and it’s very difficult to fix,” referring to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that a new oil pipeline is essential for Iraq and presents a great opportunity for Turkey, along with significant advantages for Europe in terms of supply security. “This should be viewed as a strategic project,” he added.

To move forward, Turkey and Iraq must reach a political agreement, which Birol believes is possible. He also mentioned that obtaining financing for the project could receive support from Europe.

Additionally, Turkey has proposed extending the existing pipeline connecting Ceyhan to the Kirkuk oil fields in northern Iraq, aiming to establish a multi-billion dollar trade route from the Faw Port in Basra to Turkey. In another initiative, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan have recently agreed to upgrade their railway and highway systems to create a continuous corridor spanning from southern Europe to the Persian Gulf.

Turkey has emerged as a more favorable option after the Israel–Hamas conflict hindered the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a US-supported project aimed at developing rail links across the Arabian Peninsula. With the Houthi attacks disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and regional instability increasing, the IMEC is currently at a standstill.