Middle East Turns Away from Strait of Hormuz

Countries in the Middle East are diversifying their energy exports by investing in alternative land routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint controlled by Iran. Analysts say this shift could weaken Tehran's leverage over global markets and reshape regional politics.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia already have pipelines that allow for part of their oil exports to bypass the strait. The UAE's Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, with a capacity of 1.5-1.8 million barrels per day, links Abu Dhabi's oil fields to the Gulf of Oman.

However, neither country considers its existing infrastructure sufficient. Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its pipeline network or building new export routes, while the UAE has completed about half of a new west-east pipeline project that could double its crude export capacity via Fujairah.

Iraq and Syria are also exploring alternative land corridors. Iraq plans to revive the Kirkuk-Banyas pipeline, which would transport crude across Syria to the Mediterranean. Analysts say this could reassure global markets by signaling that the region is no longer dependent on a single chokepoint.