Syrian President proposes setting up a "cross-strait energy corridor" to Syria, bypassing Hormuz

 Direct translation

Cutting off Iran's lifeline! His proposal of a "cross-strait energy corridor" has shocked Europe

Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor : Zhongkang / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0401/2366914.html

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa proposes a Mediterranean land-based energy corridor plan during his visit to Germany.

On 30 March 2026, during his first official visit to Berlin, Germany, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa proposed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and officials that Syria be developed into a Mediterranean land-based energy corridor connecting Gulf oil-producing countries with Europe, effectively bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked due to the conflict with Iran.

At a forum at the German Foreign Ministry and a joint press conference with Merz, Sharaa stated that given the severe disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting energy crisis in Europe, Syria, with its unique geographical location in the eastern Mediterranean, could serve as a "safe and reliable energy supply hub." He prioritized the restoration of the Trans-Arab oil pipeline (Tapline), relocating its terminus to the Syrian port of Baniyas, and collaborating with Iraq to expand the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline. He also planned a comprehensive north-south energy corridor encompassing oil, natural gas, and rail transport.

Sharaa emphasized that this plan would not only provide a stable alternative route for Europe but also attract European companies, including those from Germany, to invest in Syria's energy, infrastructure, and reconstruction sectors, creating jobs and economic recovery opportunities for post-war Syria. He described Syria as possessing abundant human resources and expressed a willingness to establish a "circular migration" model with Germany to facilitate the orderly return of refugees to participate in reconstruction.

Aboluowang commentator Wang Duran believes that if Sharaa's proposals are implemented, they will significantly reduce the Middle East's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and reshape the regional energy landscape. However, the project faces multiple challenges, including funding, technology, and regional security, and its implementation still requires multi-party coordination.