OR oil pipeline of 1975 between Turkey and Iraq will expire July of 2026according to a decision published on Monday in the Turkish Government Gazette, while the two countries continue consultations on the reopening of oil flow through the existing pipeline.

As stated in Reutersunder the decision of the Turkish Presidency, the “Turkey -Iraq crude oil pipeline agreement” – signed in 1973 and entered into force in 1975 – as well as all the subsequent protocols or memoranda, will cease to apply from July 27 2026.

No justification was given for the decision.

Iraq and Turkey are working to restart oil flow through the pipeline ending in the Turkish port of Cheijan. The flows had stopped in March 2023, when the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ordered Ankara to pay $ 1.5 billion in Baghdad for unauthorized exports in 2014–2018.

Turkey has stated that it is ready to reopen the pipeline, but the talks have stuck in March for disagreements for payments and contracts.

Ankara: “We want a new and dynamic phase for the pipeline”

The obligation of the oil carrier between Iraq and Turkey is unfortunate, and Ankara wants a “new and dynamic phase” in its management, for both sides and the wider area, as a senior Turkish official said Monday.

The official said the pipeline has the potential to develop into a “highly active and strategic pipeline”, adding that Turkey has invested significantly in its maintenance, repeatedly underlining its importance for regional projects such as the development road – the planned traveler.

“A new and dynamic phase for the Iraq -Turkey pipeline will benefit both the two countries and the area overall“, He noted.