The Iraqi Oil Ministry is advancing plans to develop a massive crude oil pipeline stretching to the Jordanian port of Aqaba, a strategic move aimed at diversifying export outlets and insulating the national economy from regional volatility.

Oil Ministry spokesperson Saheb Bazoun told the state-owned al-Sabah newspaper that while the Iraq-Jordan pipeline project boasts substantial planned capacity, it is not yet operational. 

With Iraq struggling to boost its export capacity, the project is a cornerstone of Baghdad’s long-term strategy to expand its export network beyond the Persian Gulf.

The urgency of the project comes as Iraq seeks to mitigate risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz. By establishing a direct route to the Red Sea and European markets, the government aims to reduce its heavy reliance on southern ports, which currently serve as the primary gateway for Iraqi crude.

The Iraqi venture, estimated to cost $4.6 billion, is designed to transport oil from the southern province of Basra to Haditha in the western province of Anbar. From there, the line would extend toward Aqaba.

According to the project’s technical details, the pipeline will utilize 56-inch diameter pipes and is projected to transport approximately 2.25 million barrels per day. It’s also expected to enhance domestic transport and connection to future international export facilities.

Earlier this month, the Iraqi cabinet authorized the Oil Ministry to bypass traditional bidding by directly inviting specialized companies to submit proposals for the Basra-Haditha pipeline segment. This move signals a push to accelerate infrastructure rehabilitation.

Despite government backing, the project faces a complex landscape of political and infrastructural constraints. However, pressure is mounting within the Iraqi parliament to fast-track the development. 

Adnan al-Kubaisi, a member of the Anbar Provincial Council, recently indicated that lawmakers may soon take formal action to ensure the Haditha-Aqaba extension is prioritized.

If completed, the pipeline would represent a significant shift in Iraq’s energy logistics, providing a safer, land-based alternative to maritime routes frequently threatened by regional tensions.