Iraq is planning to establish a 1,200-kilometer trade route to Turkey through Syria, a development that could reshape trade dynamics in the Middle East. The $17 billion project aims to connect Faw Port in southern Basra to Iraq's northern border with Turkey, incorporating necessary railways and highways to facilitate the transport of goods and passengers. This initiative comes at a time when Iraq seeks alternative trade routes due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has hindered its oil exports.

The first transit convoy from Turkey recently arrived in Iraq's Nineveh province, indicating a notable shift in trade routes that may weaken the Kurdistan Region's trade with Turkey. The project is expected to generate $4 billion in annual revenues, positioning Iraq as a regional trade hub. Turkey's increased cooperation with Syria, following the integration of Syrian Democratic Forces with the Damascus government, has made this trade route more viable. Omar al-Waili, head of Iraq's Border Crossings Authority, confirmed the successful launch of goods transportation through the Rabia crossing, emphasizing the importance of this route for future trade.