SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Iraq is exploring new crude oil export routes through the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea as part of a broader effort to strengthen its petroleum transportation network and deepen energy cooperation with Egypt and Jordan.
The initiative was discussed during a virtual meeting of the Iraqi-Jordanian-Egyptian Coordination Council's working team on November 1, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Ali Ward Hammood, Director General of Iraq's Oil Projects Company, and focused on infrastructure development, oil transportation and potential cross-border energy investments.
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Officials examined the proposed Basra-Haditha crude oil pipeline's engineering specifications, transportation capacity, targeted throughput volumes and possible branches and routes.
The project is intended to provide Iraq with additional transportation flexibility while also improving crude supplies to domestic refineries.
The three countries also discussed possible cooperation involving petroleum storage facilities, refining projects and a proposed joint petrochemical complex.
Iraq is evaluating several ways to reduce its dependence on a limited number of crude export corridors. Alongside the Basra-Haditha project, Baghdad has been pursuing routes connected to Türkiye's Ceyhan terminal, Syria's Baniyas port and Jordan's Aqaba port. The latest talks with Jordan and Egypt add Red Sea and Mediterranean export options to that broader diversification effort.
Iraq's Oil Ministry has previously indicated that the proposed pipeline system could transport up to 2.5 million barrels per day.
Potential export connections discussed in earlier Iraqi plans include Syria's Baniyas port, Türkiye's Ceyhan port and Jordan's Aqaba port.
The November discussions did not announce a construction timetable or final agreement for the new Red Sea or Mediterranean outlets. Technical consultations are continuing as the countries assess how the proposed projects could move toward implementation.
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