Trump Backs Revival of Historic Pipeline to Bypass Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for reviving the historic Syria-Iraq pipeline, which was shut down in the 1980s after Syria sided with Iran during the Iran-Iraq war. The pipeline, stretching over 500 miles from Iraq's oilfields to Syria's Mediterranean coast, would provide an alternative to exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz and reduce Iran's control.

During a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump announced his intention to remove Syria from the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. He also praised Sharaa's efforts to unify Syria and rebuild its economy, stating that he would 'remove all barriers' to doing so.

The US is reportedly backing the restoration of the pipeline, with American firms expected to participate in rebuilding it. Chevron has been mentioned as a potential participant, although the company has declined to comment. The project aims to reduce costs and risks associated with shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz.