French energy giant has called for greater investment in oil and gas export infrastructure across the Middle East, arguing that alternative routes are needed to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at an energy conference in Paris on Tuesday, said recent tensions involving Iran had highlighted the risks associated with relying heavily on the strategic waterway, a key route for global crude exports.

According to Pouyanné, the disruption caused by the regional conflict demonstrated the need for long-term solutions that would allow energy producers to move oil and gas to international markets without passing through Hormuz.

He pointed to several potential alternatives, including pipeline projects in Abu Dhabi and Iraq, as well as routes extending through Syria and Turkey. Such infrastructure, he said, would strengthen energy security and reduce the vulnerability of supply chains during geopolitical crises.

Pouyanné noted that Iraq has multiple options for reaching export markets, including connections through neighbouring Kuwait and Saudi Arabia or routes heading west toward the Mediterranean.

Drawing on history, the TotalEnergies chief recalled that the company was involved in developing Iraq’s oil sector nearly a century ago and helped establish a pipeline linking Iraq to Syria. He suggested that if similar projects were achievable in the early 20th century, modern technology and resources should make comparable developments possible today.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow passage can have major implications for energy markets and global supply chains.

TotalEnergies is among the international oil companies with substantial operations in the Middle East, making regional stability and export reliability a key concern for the company.