A New Oil Route
French energy company TotalEnergies is set to become a partner in extending and connecting an oil pipeline running from Iraq to the Syrian Mediterranean port of Banias, with the aim of exporting Iraqi crude. The plan was disclosed by Energy Minister Muhammad al-Bashir on 7 July 2026 on the sidelines of a Syrian-French round-table in Damascus.
The minister said the company would be one of the partners tasked with laying and linking the pipes running from Iraq toward Banias, giving the port a role in moving Iraqi oil to international markets.
Talks With the Company
Al-Bashir said a session was held with the chief executive of the French company that addressed investment opportunities in Syria. He described a shared interest between the ministry and the firm in entering the field of regional links for the export of Iraqi oil.
Building on a Gas Deal
The minister noted that an agreement had previously been signed with the same company to explore for gas in the Mediterranean, indicating that the pipeline discussions build on an existing energy relationship rather than starting from scratch.
A Broad Franco-Syrian Package
The pipeline plan was announced as Syria and France signed a package of strategic agreements and memorandums of understanding on 7 July 2026 to deepen cooperation across several sectors, spanning energy, transport, infrastructure, finance, and industry.
The signing took place in the presence of Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron, during what was described as the first visit by a French head of state to Damascus since 2009.
What It Signals
Reconnecting to cross-border export infrastructure would give Syria a stake in the transit of Iraqi crude and a potential source of revenue and investment as it works to rebuild its energy sector. No figures on the pipeline's capacity, cost, or timeline were released.