Al-Zaidi Meets Barrack / Behind the Scenes of Trump Envoy's Role in Corruption in Alternative Hormuz Oil Pipeline Project

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met and held talks with Tom Barrack, Trump's special envoy for Syria and Iraq, in Baghdad. The meeting follows revelations about Barrack's influence in securing the participation of a company run by his business partner in a project to build an oil pipeline from Iraq to Syria.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met and talked with Trump's special representative for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barak, in Baghdad. This meeting took place following revelations of Barak's influence in involving a company run by his business partner in a project to build an oil pipeline from Iraq to Syria.

According to the report of Ambassador Arjan, according to the statement of the media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, in this meeting, bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington and ways to expand joint cooperation in various fields were discussed.

According to Ambassador Arjan, in this conversation, the parties evaluated the latest developments in the region and the necessary measures to support regional security and stability, and the importance of maintaining the common interests of both countries and efforts to reduce regional tensions and conflicts were emphasized.

In this regard, Tom Barak also met and talked with Faiq Zidan, the head of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq.

Before this, reports have been published about the possibility of Barak's conflict of interest due to financial relations with TI Capital, a company that has joined a coalition consisting of Chevron and the Qatari company UCC Holding to investigate the possibility of implementing the Kirkuk-Banias oil pipeline project.

In July, Iraq and Syria signed memorandums of understanding with a consortium consisting of Californian investment group TI Capital, Chevron Oil Company and Qatari holding company UCC. The purpose of these agreements was to conduct technical and financial studies to prepare preparations for the reconstruction of a pipeline that can provide an alternative route for oil transportation and reduce the need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tom Barak has a long-standing business relationship with TI Capital and its founder, Ziad Ghandour. According to the sources who spoke with Ambassador Arjan, after the start of the war against Iran and during his consultations with the Syrian and Iraqi authorities, Barak pressed for Ghandour company to be included in this project. Barak has had business cooperation with Ghandour since at least 2020.

The estimates presented in Ambassador Arjan's report show that the implementation of this project may take at least four years and cost about 15 billion dollars.

According to the report, Barak used his diplomatic influence to facilitate the company's participation in the project, which could violate US federal ethics laws. The purpose of this agreement was to conduct technical and financial studies to prepare for the reconstruction of a pipeline whose route does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Legal experts and professional ethics have also expressed concern about the possibility of violating the rules related to conflict of interest. Barack's ethics agreement in 2025 required him to step down from decision-making in matters related to his previous financial interests; Unless he has received an exemption permit.

However, the US State Department has claimed that Barak has no role, connection or financial interest in the pipeline project and that his compliance with ethics regulations has been reviewed. At the same time, this ministry has confirmed the existence of his previous financial relationship with a real estate project related to the mentioned company.

Barak's office and the companies involved have not responded to media requests for comment.