Iraq Expands Oil Exports Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has announced that Iraq is working to expand its oil exports via Turkey, Syria, and Jordan. The Ceyhan port in Turkey will be used for these exports, as well as routes through Syria's Baniyas and Jordan's Aqaba ports.

The Strait of Hormuz closure poses a 'major challenge' for Iraq, according to Zaidi, who stated that the government is taking measures to maintain economic stability. One such measure is increasing Iraq's export quota through OPEC, with a goal of raising oil exports to between 8 million and 10 million barrels per day within six years.

Zaidi also emphasized the importance of restricting weapons to state control, as unregulated arms would create an environment that discourages investment. He ruled out prospects of a military confrontation, stating that Baghdad would not allow Iraq's enemies to exploit any opportunity.