Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi said on Tuesday that his country was working to diversify its oil export routes and raise production to between 9 million and 10 million barrels per day, warning of growing economic damage caused by disruptions to oil exports amid the crisis between Iran and the United States and its repercussions for global markets and citizens.
Routes through Turkey and Syria
Speaking at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, al-Zeidi said expanding the Ceyhan pipeline through Turkey would allow exports of about 1.25 million barrels per day, while Iraq plans to develop a route to export 1 million barrels per day through Syria in an initial phase, with these volumes destined for Europe and the West more broadly.
He said Iraq did not want to remain hostage to a single export corridor, stressing the importance of diversifying export routes through Turkey, Syria and the Mediterranean. He added that Baghdad had discussed with France and Germany the purchase of Iraqi oil via the Mediterranean, and that a large portion of the targeted increase in production would be allocated to European and Western markets.
Opposition to a windfall profits tax
Al-Zeidi rejected imposing taxes on the excess profits of oil refining companies in Germany, saying such a move could add burdens to companies facing difficulties in the market. He said his country preferred to seek other solutions to support consumers.
The Iraqi prime minister called for de-escalating the crisis between Tehran and Washington, saying its repercussions had extended beyond the two countries and were affecting countries around the world, foremost among them Iraq. He said Baghdad and Berlin shared a desire to resolve the crisis and coordinate their political positions on outstanding issues.
Economic cooperation with Germany
Al-Zeidi welcomed German companies to Iraq, stressing that his country sought to benefit from their expertise, during a visit that saw the signing of a number of agreements between the two countries. He described bilateral relations as strong and noted that 300,000 Iraqis live in Germany.
Merz, for his part, affirmed Germany's interest in supporting Iraq's stability and strengthening political and economic relations between the two countries. He called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed his country's concern about the situation in the Red Sea and its impact on shipping.
