Iraq premier aims to expand oil exports via Türkiye, Syria, Jordan

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Friday outlined plans to diversify the country's oil export infrastructure through ports in Türkiye, Syria and Jordan, citing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a critical threat to Baghdad's economic stability. Speaking at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue conference, Zaidi said the blockade poses a "major challenge" for the energy sector, prompting accelerated work on alternatives including Türkiye's Ceyhan terminal, Syria's Baniyas port and Jordan's Aqaba facility.

Production Ambitions

The premier said Baghdad is negotiating with OPEC to secure a higher export quota as part of broader efforts to ramp up national output to between 8 million and 10 million barrels per day within six years. The government is taking measures to maintain economic stability amid these regional tensions, he added.

Security Consensus

On internal affairs, Zaidi said all political forces agree on restricting weapons to state control, with mechanisms being developed for the handover of arms held by non-state actors. "Weapons outside state control would create an environment that discourages investment, and is therefore against the interests of Iraqis," he said, ruling out prospects of military confrontation and vowing that "Baghdad would not allow Iraq's enemies to exploit any opportunity."

The two-day Baghdad Dialogue opened on Friday with the participation of officials, political figures, diplomats and academics, focusing on regional security and economic challenges.