FT learned about the search by the Persian Gulf countries for new ways to export oil

The Gulf states are exploring the possibility of building new pipelines bypassing the Strait of Hormuz amid the risks of its prolonged control by Iran. This was reported on April 2 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper, citing sources.

"New pipelines may be the only way to reduce the vulnerability of the Persian Gulf countries to disruptions in the strait," the article says.

According to the newspaper's sources, the war in Iran has highlighted the strategic importance of the 1,200-kilometer East—West oil pipeline, built by Saudi Arabia and allowing the supply of up to 7 million barrels of oil per day to the Red Sea bypassing Hormuz. The head of Saudi Aramco, Amin Nasser, called it "the main route that is currently being relied on."

Riyadh is considering expanding the capacity of the existing infrastructure and building new routes to reduce dependence on routes through Iranian waters. An extensive network of routes rather than a single pipeline is being discussed as a long-term solution, but this option is the most difficult from a political and technical point of view.

One of the possible directions is the resumption of the IMEC project (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor — India — Middle East —Europe Economic Corridor). The article emphasizes that the initial version of the project provided for the laying of a pipeline to the Israeli port of Haifa, which is complicated by political factors.

In addition, Christopher Bush, head of the Lebanese company Cat Group, said that the cost of analogues of existing routes can reach $5 billion, and cross—border projects - up to $ 15-20 billion. He also pointed out the security risks, including the presence of unexploded ordnance and the activity of armed groups.

In the short term, the expansion of existing lines and the development of export infrastructure on the Red Sea coast are considered the most realistic. However, the final decisions will depend on the future situation around the strait.

Eastern translation: is the United States able to assemble a coalition to control the Strait of Hormuz

And how the escalation of the conflict in the region is delaying negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement

The day before, Bloomberg reported that the international coalition for unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, consisting of 35 states led by the United Kingdom, plans to switch from diplomacy to economic pressure on Iran in the event of a failure of the negotiation process. Only after exhausting all diplomatic and economic instruments, the coalition members intend to move on to discussing a scenario of potential military intervention, the agency noted.

The Politico newspaper reported on March 24 that the UK had proposed holding a summit on security issues related to the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the interlocutors, Britain intends to propose to the countries the creation of a coalition to open a safe route through the strait and ensure safe merchant shipping.

On March 14, US President Donald Trump appealed to states that depend on oil supplied through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safety of this transport route.

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