DAMASCUS: Iraq has begun exporting crude oil to Syria through the al-Yarubiyah border crossing, marking the first such shipment along the route in 14 years, according to Syrian state media.
A convoy of 70 Iraqi oil tankers crossed into سوريا and is en route to the Baniyas refinery on the Mediterranean coast, officials said.
A Syrian official at the crossing described the reopening as a strategic step to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, adding that it would facilitate commercial and energy shipments and support long-term cooperation.
The development comes as Iraq looks to diversify its export routes amid ongoing disruptions in the region, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict involving Iran.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, according to Iranian media.
In another development, a large Iranian oil tanker carrying nearly 1.9 million barrels of crude — valued at approximately $220 million — has reportedly evaded a US naval blockade and reached the Asia-Pacific region, according to a shipping monitoring firm.
The vessel, operated by Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company, was last tracked near Sri Lanka and is currently navigating towards Indonesia, the report said.
The developments highlight ongoing tensions in global energy markets, as regional conflict continues to disrupt oil supply routes and challenge enforcement of US sanctions on Iran.