US supporting efforts to revive Iraq-Syria crude oil pipeline, US official says

Washington: The United ​States is supporting efforts ​by Iraq and Syria to revive ​a crude pipeline between the two countries, which could reduce Iran's ability to block oil supplies through the Strait ‌of Hormuz, ⁠a ⁠State Department official said on Tuesday.

The U.S. expects American ​companies to play a role in advancing the construction of theKirkuk-Baniyas ​pipeline, which has been mostly out of service since suffering damage during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion ​of Iraq.

Also read: Trump says US will be 'taking a lot of oil out' of Iraq as US aims to do a lot of deals


The revitalized pipeline ⁠would run ‌from Iraqi oilfields near Kirkuk to ​Syria's western ​coast. It is one of ⁠several efforts by oil producers in the Middle ​East to lessen dependence on the strait, ​through which 20% of the world's oil and gas flowed before the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.

The United States has re-imposed a blockade of the chokepoint ‌between Iran and Oman after strikes on ships in the strait that Washington ​blamed ​on Iran.

Also read: US issues new Iran-related sanctions and a general license

Bloomberg ⁠reported earlier on Tuesday that Chevron could play a role in rebuilding the pipeline.

"As a matter of ​policy we do not comment on third party statements or matters of a commercial nature," Chevron said in response to a Reuters request for comment.