Iraq has resumed shipping crude oil through the Jihan pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan following a series of strategic agreements.
This restoration is critical for Iraq as it seeks to diversify its export pathways and increase national revenue by reducing reliance on Iranian or Russian pipelines. The route allows oil from the Kirkuk region to bypass congested shipping lanes and reach global markets via the Mediterranean [1], [2].
Shipments first resumed on March 18, 2026, with an export capacity of 250,000 barrels per day [3]. This restart followed a prolonged shutdown that lasted more than two and a half years [4]. The operation of the pipeline is currently governed by a temporary one-year agreement between the Iraqi and Turkish governments [5].
Despite the initial restart, the pipeline experienced a brief halt in July. Some reports indicated the disruption lasted more than 10 days [6], while other sources expected shipments to resume within two to three days [7]. Exports officially resumed on July 8, 2026 [8].
The infrastructure involves cooperation between the Iraqi government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and Turkish officials at the Ceyhan port [1]. While the existing line services the Kirkuk region [2], separate proposals have emerged to link the Basra oil fields to the Ceyhan terminal to further expand capacity [9].
Officials said the pipeline provides a reliable, year-round corridor for the Kurdish region and the broader Iraqi state [1]. The ability to move crude efficiently to the Mediterranean remains a primary goal for Iraq's energy sector as it stabilizes its economy.
“The pipeline provides Iraq, especially the Kurdish region, with a reliable, year-round export corridor.”
The reactivation of the Ceyhan pipeline represents a diplomatic and economic victory for Iraq, signaling a stabilization of relations with Turkey. By securing a Mediterranean outlet, Iraq reduces its geopolitical vulnerability and dependence on a limited number of transit routes, which provides greater leverage in global energy markets and ensures a more consistent flow of revenue for the Kurdistan region.
