Iraq eyes Europe as it seeks to diversify oil exports

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Tuesday announced plans to double oil exports through the Mediterranean to supply Europe and the West, reducing reliance on the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. He discussed selling oil to Europe during separate meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Iraq aims to raise its total oil production capacity to 9 or 10 million barrels per day, with nearly half designated for European and Western markets. Moreover, Baghdad is utilizing and expanding alternative export paths through pipelines and tanker trucks via Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan.