US Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack said Washington is working with Syria, Jordan, Türkiye, Lebanon and Egypt on a regional initiative to develop alternative transport and energy routes that could make the Strait of Hormuz’s strategic importance “secondary within two years.”
Barrack said the initiative is based on the principle of “precautionary delivery” and is aimed at strengthening the resilience of regional supply chains.
“We are working in coordination with Syria, Jordan, Türkiye, Lebanon and Egypt on a program to shift to alternative routes for the Strait of Hormuz based on the principle of ‘precautionary delivery’,” Barrack said.
He said the Middle East had undergone “significant transformations” that had reshaped regional security and strategic alliances, adding that international attention had shifted “from the nuclear file to the Strait of Hormuz.”
Barrack said the proposed network of alternative routes would “render the strait’s strategic importance secondary within two years” by moving away from maritime transport through narrow waterways to diversified land and logistics corridors.
He described the initiative as part of a broader effort to develop alternative trade and energy routes, saying it would “enhance the resilience of transport and energy supply chains in the region.”
Barrack also stressed the role of the private sector in regional recovery, saying “the industry and business sector constitutes the most effective tool for achieving stability and development.”
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption to the waterway a major concern for international energy markets.
Iraq is actively working to diversify its economy beyond energy, and the summit reflected that ambition. For U.S. companies, that agenda translates into opportunities in energy, education, healthcare, trade, and infrastructure.
U.S. and Iraqi companies and the two governments had signed over 50 agreements and memoranda of understanding totaling more than $60 billion.
Prime Minister Al-Zaidi said , “We are trying to transform the resources of Iraq into jobs and into prosperity. We are using an open-door policy. ”
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark said, “Signing and announcement of more than $60 billion in agreements, partnerships, and memoranda of understanding are tangible demonstrations of confidence and shared ambition. They signal where the future of the U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship is headed—toward deeper commercial ties, greater economic cooperation, and stronger partnerships that create value for both our countries.”
U.S. Chamber Chairman of the Board Ross Perot Jr said that strong commercial relationships create the foundation for deeper ties between countries. “With the Trump administration, our bilateral relationship has entered a new chapter, moving from a focus on security cooperation to a greater emphasis on economic and energy investments and partnerships.”