# Iraq expands oil export routes via Banias and Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-oil-export-diversification
> Updated: 2026-08-02T10:30:00.000Z. Sources: 172. Developments: 20.

By mid‑2026 Iraq accelerated its shift from the Strait of Hormuz, moving crude overland to the Mediterranean via Syria’s Banias port and to Turkey. May saw tanker trucks resume Basra‑to‑Banias shipments and work begin on a 700‑km Basra‑to‑Haditha line serving export points in Turkey, Syria and Jordan. In June the cabinet fast‑tracked an expansion that would raise pipeline exports from about 220,000 bpd to roughly 770,000 bpd within weeks, while daily export volumes reached 9 million barrels and Syrian ports were formalised for transfers. July brought a one‑year agreement with Turkey to keep the Kirkuk‑Ceyhan line at 750,000 bpd, a parallel deal on the Silopi‑Ceyhan pipeline, and a temporary protocol with the Kurdish Regional Government securing 200,000 bpd on the Kurdish route. Iraq pledged to lift output above 3 million bpd and set a 7 million bpd target for 2029, and the United States, Iraq and Syria coordinated to revive the 800‑km Kirkuk‑Baniyas pipeline for up to 2 million bpd. In August, Turkey and Iraq signed a one‑year deal to ship at least 750,000 bpd via the Silopi‑Ceyhan pipeline, extending the transit arrangement while negotiating a longer‑term framework for oil, electricity and water.

On 1 August 2026 the two countries concluded a broader one‑year framework to deepen oil cooperation. The pact aims for daily exports from the Kirkuk fields of over 700,000 bbl, potentially reaching about one million bbl, and calls for expanding the Kirkuk‑Erbil‑Ceyhan line to 1‑1.2 million bbl d and building a new Silopi/Habur‑to‑Basra pipeline as part of the “Kalkınma Yolu” corridor. It also highlights Iraq’s capacity to supply up to 65 bcm of natural gas to Turkey, with export revenues earmarked for health, education and transport infrastructure, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership for Turkey’s energy security.

## Claims

- Turkey and Iraq signed a one‑year agreement for the Iraq‑Turkey crude oil pipeline. (disputed by 28 sources)
- The Iraq‑Turkey crude oil pipeline agreement ended shortly before the signing. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The agreement provides for a daily transit capacity of 750,000 barrels of crude oil. (corroborated by 34 sources)
- Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the agreement. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The agreement aims to ensure uninterrupted oil flow and boost regional and global energy security. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The pipeline has been operating for about 50 years as a strategic energy corridor. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Turkey Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) purchased a 15% share of BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- The agreement follows a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- The consortium of TPAO, BP and ConocoPhillips will develop about 3 billion barrels of oil‑equivalent reserves in Kirkuk. (corroborated by 8 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Iraq‑Turkey oil deal aims for over 700,000 barrels daily export

Iraq and Turkey signed a one‑year oil pact on 1 Aug 2026, targeting >700,000 bpd exports, pipeline expansion and a 65 bcm gas potential, aiming to fund infrastructure and boost Turkey’s energy security.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-sign-one-year-oil-pipeline-deal-for-joint-production

### 2026-07-31: Turkey and Iraq extend one‑year oil pipeline deal

Turkey and Iraq signed a one‑year deal to keep the Kirkuk‑Ceyhan pipeline running, allowing 750,000 barrels per day and bolstering regional energy security.

50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-sign-750000bpd-oil-pipeline-agreement

### 2026-07-28: Turkey and Iraq Commit to One‑Million‑Barrel Daily Oil Supply

Turkey's Erdogan and Iraq's PM Al‑Zaydi confirmed a deal to supply one million barrels of oil daily to Turkey and outlined broader energy and transport cooperation, including the Kirkuk‑Jiah pipeline extension.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-to-supply-1-million-barrels-of-oil-daily-deepen-energy-ties

### 2026-07-28: Turkey's TPAO takes 15% stake in BP‑run Kirkuk oilfield, aims for 1 m bpd

TPAO bought 15% of BP’s Kirkuk oilfield, forming a consortium with BP and ConocoPhillips to develop ~3 bn barrels and aim for 1 m bpd, after the Iraq‑Turkey pipeline pact expired.

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-petroleum-corp-secures-15-stake-in-bps-kirkuk-venture

### 2026-07-28: Greek tankers ferry Iraqi fuel oil via Syrian port Baniyas

Greek tankers are now loading Iraqi fuel oil at Syria’s Baniyas port, creating a new supply route after Strait of Hormuz risks and affecting global energy markets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-tankers-ferry-iraqi-fuel-oil-via-syrian-port-baniyas

### 2026-07-26: Kirkuk–Banias pipeline revival and new Middle East routes target reduced reliance on Strait of Hormuz

The US‑led Chevron deal to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Banias pipeline and broader regional projects aim to cut dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, with new corridors targeting up to 14 million barrels daily by 202

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirkukbanias-pipeline-revival-and-new-middle-east-routes-target-reduced-reliance-on-strait-of-hormuz

### 2026-07-23: United States begins importing Iraqi fuel oil through Syria's Banias port

The U.S. received its first Iraqi fuel‑oil shipments via Syria’s Banias port, using three Aframax tankers in June‑July as Iraq opens a Mediterranean export route bypassing Hormuz.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-begins-importing-iraqi-fuel-oil-through-syrias-banias-port

### 2026-07-20: Iraq reroutes fuel oil via trucks through Syria, making Damascus the region’s top export hub

Iraq is using thousands of trucks to move fuel oil through Syria, turning Damascus into a top Middle Eastern export hub and sidestepping Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-reroutes-fuel-oil-via-trucks-through-syria-making-damascus-the-regions-top-export-hub

### 2026-07-18: Iraq's Grand Faw Port and Trade Talks Aim to Boost Regional Commerce

Iraq’s Grand Faw Port could become a regional trade hub, while a US‑Iraq $60 bn deal and a Chevron partnership aim to modernise infrastructure and diversify oil export routes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraqs-grand-faw-port-and-trade-talks-aim-to-boost-regional-commerce

### 2026-07-16: Iraq signs $60 bn US deals, revives pipeline to bypass Strait of Hormuz

Iraq’s prime minister signed 48 US deals worth $60 bn, including a Chevron‑led plan to rebuild the Kirkuk‑Banyas pipeline, creating an alternate export route to lessen reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.

70 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chevron-pushes-new-iraqsyria-oil-pipeline-to-bypass-strait-of-hormuz

### 2026-07-14: Turkey-Iraq pipeline row: $1.5bn arbitration and new deal talks

Turkey must pay about $1.5 bn to Iraq over a pipeline dispute; the government refuses to renew the 2010 deal, proposes a one‑year BOTAŞ transit and seeks a larger new agreement, while opposition pushes for an,‑

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraqturkey-oil-pipeline-dispute-stalls-16-bn-debt-settlement

### 2026-07-11: Iraq and Syria to revive oil pipeline bypassing Strait of Hormuz

The US, Iraq and Syria plan to rebuild an 800‑km oil pipeline from Kirkuk to Baniyas, creating a Hormuz‑bypass route; announcement expected during Iraqi PM Ali al‑Zaidi’s White House visit.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-syria-and-us-to-revive-pipeline-bypassing-strait-of-hormuz

### 2026-07-10: Turkey and Iraq near agreement to extend crude oil flows via Kirkuk‑Ceyhan pipeline

Turkey and Iraq are set to sign a 12‑month deal to keep the Kirkuk‑Ceyhan oil pipeline running, with talks also covering broader energy cooperation and investment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-near-agreement-to-extend-crude-oil-flows-via-kirkukceyhan-pipeline

### 2026-07-07: Iraq ramps up oil exports, adds tanker shipments and plans land route through Syria

Iraq is boosting oil production and tanker exports while developing a land corridor through Syria to lessen reliance on the Hormuz Strait, targeting double daily shipments despite security and cost challenges.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-ramps-up-oil-exports-adds-tanker-shipments-and-plans-land-route-through-syria

### 2026-07-03: Iraq, Turkey and Kurdish Region agree one‑year oil export protocol

Iraq, Turkey and the Kurdish region signed a one‑year protocol to maintain 200,000+ barrels daily of oil exports via the Ceyhan pipeline while a new long‑term deal is negotiated.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-turkey-and-kurdish-region-agree-oneyear-oil-export-protocol

### 2026-06-27: Iraq Prime Minister Ali Zeydi Sets Goal to Raise Oil Output to 7 Million Barrels Daily

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Zeydi announced a plan to lift daily oil production to 7 million barrels within three years, highlighting U.S. partnership and positioning Iraq as a stability hub.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-prime-minister-ali-zeydi-sets-goal-to-raise-oil-output-to-7-million-barrels-daily

### 2026-06-20: Iraq aims to restore oil output to pre‑war levels within two months

Iraq expects to raise oil production above 3 million bpd within two months after a US‑Israeli war with Iran cut output to 1.3 million bpd, citing a new US‑Iran deal and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-aims-to-restore-oil-output-to-prewar-levels-within-two-months

### 2026-06-06: Iraq Expands Oil Export Routes Amid Diversification Push

Iraq is diversifying oil exports, adding Turkish and Syrian routes after Basra loading issues, and denies paying Iran any fees for tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-expands-oil-export-routes-amid-diversification-push

### 2026-06-03: Iraq plans to triple pipeline oil exports to 770,000 barrels per day

Iraq approved a pipeline expansion to boost exports from 220,000 to 770,000 bpd, adding routes through Syria and Turkey, while Kurdistan officials seek to raise regional shipments to 500,000 bpd via Ceyhan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-plans-to-triple-pipeline-oil-exports-to-770000-barrels-per-day

### 2026-05-04: Iraq opens overland oil route through Syria and starts $1.5 bn pipeline to diversify exports

Iraq reroutes oil overland through Syria and begins a $1.5 bn Basra‑Haditha pipeline to cut reliance on the Hormuz corridor.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-opens-overland-oil-route-through-syria-and-starts-15-bn-pipeline-to-diversify-exports

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Cite as: Iraq expands oil export routes via Banias and Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-oil-export-diversification