U.S. Urges Immediate Pipeline Reopening to 'Protect Past and Future Investments'
Both sides reaffirmed that "reopening the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline immediately is crucial, the statement said, noting that this step would pave the way for further economic and energy collaboration between Erbil and Washington.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The U.S. State Department announced on Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during which both sides reaffirmed the importance of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and expanding broader avenues of cooperation.
In a statement released on Friday, and attributed to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio emphasized the strategic significance of U.S.-Kurdistan Region relations and reiterated Washington’s commitment to promoting commercial ties and ensuring regional stability.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzanihttps://t.co/Hw5X72kgGz
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) April 11, 2025
Both sides reaffirmed that "reopening the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline immediately is crucial,” the statement said, noting that this step would pave the way for further economic and energy collaboration between Erbil and Washington.
The call comes at a time when the suspension of oil exports through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline continues to weigh heavily on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s fiscal health and investor confidence.
Secretary Rubio made clear that the immediate reopening of the pipeline is not only vital to protecting past U.S. investments but also essential for creating new commercial and energy opportunities.
His remarks signal that the Trump administration views oil resumption as a gateway to a broader framework of bilateral cooperation.
The call also addressed the changing security and political dynamics in Iraq and the wider region.
Both PM Barzani and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio emphasized that a stable, democratic, and economically viable Kurdistan Region is indispensable to long-term peace in the Middle East.
For his part, Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to deepening its alliance with the United States, expressing gratitude for continued American support across military, diplomatic, and development spheres.
The discussion adds momentum to ongoing diplomatic efforts between Erbil, Baghdad, and Ankara to resolve the technical and legal issues blocking oil flows through the pipeline.
With Washington now openly linking the restart of exports to deeper energy and economic engagement, pressure is mounting for a breakthrough.
As the international community watches closely, the outcome of these efforts could reshape the trajectory of Iraq’s energy sector and reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s role as a critical U.S. partner in the heart of the Middle East.
