Baghdad: Iraq is working to expand oil exports through Trkiye's Ceyhan port and develop export routes via Syria's Baniyas and Jordan's Aqaba ports, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Friday, Iraqi News Agency reported. Speaking at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue conference, Zaidi emphasized that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a 'major challenge' for Iraq, prompting the government to take measures aimed at maintaining economic stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zaidi also highlighted Baghdad's efforts to increase Iraq's export quota through OPEC. The government aims to raise oil exports to between 8 million and 10 million barrels per day within the next six years. The prime minister stressed the importance of diversifying export routes to ensure the country's economic resilience amid regional tensions.

On the domestic front, Zaidi addressed security concerns, mentioning that all political forces agree on limiting weapons to state control. He noted that mechanisms are being developed for the handover of arms, as weapons outside state oversight could create an environment that discourages investment, which is against the interests of Iraqi citizens.

Zaidi further ruled out prospects of a military confrontation, asserting that Baghdad would not permit Iraq's enemies to exploit any vulnerabilities. The two-day Baghdad Dialogue conference, which opened on Friday, features the participation of officials, political figures, diplomats, and academics, focusing on regional and international issues as well as the political, security, and economic challenges facing the region.