Türkiye offers shortest, cheapest energy route amid Gulf disruptions, Ankara envoy says

Ankara's Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yilmaz said developments in the Middle East could increase Türkiye's role in energy transit routes, arguing that the country offers the shortest, cheapest and most stable outlet for Gulf energy exports. Yılmaz answered questions from Anadolu as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2026, where the Turkish news agency serves as the Global Communication Partner.

Energy route alternatives

Assessing discussions on alternative energy transport routes that began with the US-Israel-Iran war disrupting energy flows in the Persian Gulf, Yilmaz noted that the most important route to Europe is via land through Türkiye and via sea through the Strait of Hormuz. "The difficulties arising from this war, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, will redirect this energy flow either to the land-based routes controlled by Türkiye in the north or to alternative routes stretching from Iraq to Syria that could provide direct access to the Mediterranean. This actually represents a significant opportunity for both Türkiye and Syria," he said.

Türkiye's advantage

Emphasizing that energy routes require billions in investment and political stability, Yilmaz said "the fact that the existing energy routes in Türkiye are currently operational makes Türkiye a key player. The safest, shortest, cheapest, and most stable route is currently through Türkiye. We can envision that the energy distribution currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz or the Suez Canal could reach a point where it allocates a greater share to Türkiye."

Syria-Iraq route

Yilmaz noted that a second alternative is the Syria-Iraq route, with conditions gradually emerging. However, Syria must achieve political stability and a secure environment to attract billions in investments. "Israel's destabilizing actions" and "terrorist activities" pose obstacles. "Once these are brought under control—the negative factors posed by the PKK, ISIS, and Israel—Syria could become a significant actor. But it will certainly take time, at least 10 years."

Syria integration process

On Syria's national integration process, Yilmaz said negotiations are "extremely positive from Türkiye's perspective." He noted that Türkiye has security needs regarding the fight against terrorism, particularly the PKK, which operates across multiple countries. "As Syria grows stronger, as the terrorism issue becomes manageable, Türkiye's interests will gradually be met."

Trade development

On Türkiye-Syria trade, Yilmaz noted that customs procedures are being formalized after 13 years without official mechanisms. "I believe the process is going well right now, but I think it will improve even further, especially when roads are being repaired and transportation problems are eliminated, trade between the two countries will likely reach its peak."