Jordan and Iraq discuss Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project

LONDON — King Abdullah of Jordan and Iraqi President Nizar Amidi discussed long-standing ties between their countries and ways to expand cooperation across sectors, according to Arab News. The call took place on Monday, 19 October 2026, the report said.

The leaders addressed the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project. According to the Jordan News Agency, as cited by Arab News, King Abdullah stressed the importance of implementing the project for both countries and their people.

The two leaders also discussed regional developments. According to Arab News, King Abdullah called for de-escalation of tensions and for the security and stability of Arab states. He also called for an end to Israel's actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He said Jordan supports Syria and Lebanon in preserving their security and sovereignty, the report said.

The report did not give details of any agreement on the pipeline, including its timetable, funding or routing. It did not say whether any follow-up talks are planned. Arab News did not report a response from the Iraqi presidency or from Israel.

Background

The Basra-Aqaba pipeline is a proposed oil link between Iraq's southern port city of Basra and Jordan's Red Sea port of Aqaba. The source material does not describe the project's history or its current status. Arab News described the Jordanian-Iraqi ties as long-standing but did not give further details.

Only one news outlet, Arab News, reported the call. Its account relies on the Jordan News Agency for the statement on the pipeline.