🇺🇸 Trump Envoy’s Business Ties Raise Ethics Questions Over $15 Billion Oil Pipeline

A Reuters investigation reports that US envoy Thomas Barrack advocated for investment firm TI Capital, led by his business partner, to participate in plans to revive the Iraq–Syria Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline.

The proposed project, estimated to cost $15 billion, could provide an alternative route for Iraqi oil to reach the Mediterranean while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Ethics experts told Reuters that Barrack’s business relationship with TI Capital’s founder raises concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest. However, Reuters found no evidence that Barrack would personally profit from the pipeline.

The US State Department said Barrack had no financial interest in the pipeline project and was compliant with ethics rules.

Source: Reuters

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