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US envoy Tom Barrack suggests Iraq could serve as a bridge to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. Speaking at the Chatham House Iraq Initiative in London, Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey, stated that Iraq does not have to be an adversary of Iran to play this role. He proposed that Iraq set a target of 10 million barrels per day of oil output and seek foreign investors to develop pipelines for transporting the oil.

Despite Iraq continuing to use the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports, Barrack argued that the addition of pipelines would bring prosperity and provide necessary outlets for the remaining six to seven million barrels. The envoy emphasized the importance of a variety of delivery mechanisms, including the strait, ships, and pipelines.

Barrack highlighted the involvement of American, French, Italian, and Middle Eastern companies in supporting Iraq's oil industry. He noted that for investors to feel confident, clear rules of law are essential. Barrack emphasized that the main obstacle to Iraq's development is not external nations, but rather the country's own governance issues.