• Syria is positioning itself as a potential energy hub connecting the Middle East to Europe, offering an alternative to the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
  • Syria and Iraq reopened their border in April to allow Iraqi oil tankers to reach Mediterranean ports.
  • US envoy Tom Barrack reportedly advocates for an ‘overland bridge through Syria’ with thousands of kilometers of pipelines.
  • Syria’s interim government maintains ‘strategic neutrality’ in the Iran war, avoiding direct involvement and reinforcing borders.
  • Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is on a diplomatic offensive, highlighting Syria’s usefulness as a strategic hub.
  • The EU has proposed resuming its 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria, with high-level political dialogue scheduled for May 11.

Sources & Links