US Envoy Tom Barrack Proposes Iraq as a Diplomatic Bridge Between the US and Iran

Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Iraq and Syria, has suggested that Baghdad could serve as a crucial link to overcome the United States' sanctions on Iran. Speaking at the Chatham House Iraq Initiative, Barrack stated, "You don't have to be an adversary to Iran. You can be the magic key that opens the door." Barrack, who also holds the position of Donald Trump's ambassador to Turkey, outlined an ambitious vision for Iraq's oil sector. He proposed that Iraq should aim to produce 10 million barrels of oil per day and actively seek foreign investment for the necessary pipelines to transport this output to global markets.

While acknowledging that Iraq would continue to utilize the Strait of Hormuz for its oil exports, Barrack emphasized that the development of additional pipelines would be key to ensuring prosperity and addressing the nation's challenges. "The Strait of Hormuz is great and that affords the ability to adapt quickly and everybody loves it pricing-wise," he remarked, discussing the regional implications since the war on Iran commenced in February. "You need all of the delivery mechanisms. You need the Straits, you need the ships, but you absolutely need [outlets] for the rest of that six or seven million barrels."

Barrack highlighted the potential for business to lead the way, noting the presence of capable business leaders and international companies from America, France, Italy, and the Middle East, all expressing willingness to contribute. He stressed that Iraq could leverage its unique assets, including its geography, history, and oil reserves, but underscored the necessity of a stable and predictable legal framework to attract investors. "Who is going to invest if they don't have a definable, understandable rule of law?" he questioned. "To me, the biggest impediment is not other countries; it’s your own country.”