Trump Backs Syrian Oil Route to Bypass Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump expressed support for Syria's efforts to establish itself as an alternative transit route to the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran that has frequently closed the strait, disrupting global trade and energy supplies.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is leveraging Syria's Mediterranean access to create an overland connection between the Gulf region and Europe. Current operations already involve oil tankers traveling from southern Iraq to the Syrian port of Baniyas.

To expand this capacity, energy companies Chevron and TotalEnergies, with support from the United States and France, are planning a 1,000-mile pipeline from Basra to Baniyas. The proposed pipeline could carry approximately 2 million barrels per day, representing 10 to 15 percent of the typical volume of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack suggested the project could eventually make the Strait of Hormuz an "after thought."