In anticipation of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq is taking “urgent” steps to ensure oil exports.
In anticipation of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq is taking “urgent” steps to ensure oil exports.
2026-01-15 04:35
Shafaq News – Baghdad
A government source revealed on Thursday that the government is seeking alternative plans to export Iraqi oil in the event that the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to tensions in Iran.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the Iraqi government, in coordination with the ministries concerned with the energy file, is seeking to develop alternative plans to secure safe export outlets that guarantee the marketing of oil to global markets in the event that the Strait of Hormuz is closed.”
He added that “within this movement, understandings are being strengthened with the Sultanate of Oman regarding the extension of the Basra-Oman pipeline to transport oil to the global market,” indicating that “the coming period will witness new developments in the file of transporting Iraqi oil through the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to choosing areas close to the Strait of Hormuz to build large warehouses for the benefit of Iraq to store and market crude oil.”
This movement comes amid developments in Iran, both on the domestic front through protests, and on the one hand, American threats to launch a military strike against it, which may expand into a full-scale war in the region.
It is worth noting that about one-fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is about 18 to 19 million barrels per day of oil, condensates and fuels, and about 11 billion cubic feet per day of liquefied natural gas.
Economic expert Mohammed Al-Hassani had previously confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that Iraqi oil exports would be directly affected in the event of any disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has threatened more than once to close the Strait of Hormuz in the event of a large-scale military strike, as the strait is always used as a bargaining chip in such circumstances.
shafaq.com
