ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Al Waleed border crossing between Iraq and Syria was reopened on Tuesday to allow for the transport of Iraqi crude oil, with a minimum of 500 tankers set to pass through daily. 

“The Al Waleed border crossing witnessed a trial reopening today, and the entry of crude oil tankers between Iraq and Syria has commenced,” Mujahid al-Dulaimi, mayor of Al Waleed, told state media.

Iraq has been largely unable to export its oil since the onset of the US-Israeli war on Iran, with Tehran refusing to allow Baghdad’s tankers through the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which Iraq exports almost all of its oil, despite the two countries sharing strong ties. 

The country, however, has been able to sell its oil through Turkey’s Ceyhan port following an agreement with the Kurdistan Region earlier in March, partially alleviating the export disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Dulaimani hailed the step as an “important indicator of revitalizing trade and strengthening economic cooperation” between Baghdad and Damascus.

“The average number of tankers entering will reach approximately 500 per day as a minimum,” he added. 

Analysts have also suggested that the opening of the crossing could invite attacks by pro-Iran factions, who would prefer a Baghdad more dependent on Tehran. 

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump called on countries struggling with a jet fuel crisis due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to either buy from the US, or “build up some delayed courage, get to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”