Trump and Xi Jingping summit: How are the United States and China redefining their relationship?

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As tensions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and global influence intensify, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may determine the future balance of power between Washington and Beijing. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 13 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis "We don't have permanent allies and we don't have permanent enemies, only our interests are permanent, and we have to follow them." – Henry John Temple. The root of the current Strait of Hormuz tensions is not only about shipping routes or oil prices, but also about the final collapse of the historical US concept towards Beijing. However, the 2025 National Security Strategy, released by the White House in November, says this was a historic mistake because China used the assets it accumulated to strengthen itself and compete with the West, not to become their partner. For many years, the United States alone maintained maritime security; The fifth US ship in Manama, Bahrain, worked only to keep o...
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PM Masrour Barzani and King Abdullah II Discuss Security and Oil Exports Amid Regional Tensions

   

    Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani and Jordan’s King Abdullah II discuss security threats, regional instability, and oil exports amid rising Middle East tensions and economic challenges.

According to a report by The New Region, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani held a phone call with Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss escalating security challenges and regional instability affecting both the Kurdistan Region and Jordan. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials stated that both sides reaffirmed their strong bilateral relationship while exchanging views on recent attacks and threats in the region.

The leaders also addressed broader economic concerns, particularly Iraq’s financial pressures and energy exports. A key point in the discussion was the Kurdistan Region’s decision to resume oil exports through its pipeline to Ceyhan in Turkey, a move aimed at easing economic burdens across Iraq.

Key Developments Highlighted

1. Shared Security Concerns

Both Erbil and Amman are facing rising regional threats, including:

  • Attacks linked to wider Middle Eastern conflicts

  • Instability involving Iran and allied groups

  • Spillover effects from ongoing geopolitical tensions

The call reflects growing cooperation between relatively stable regional actors seeking to manage shared risks.

2. Regional Conflict and Iraq’s Internal Pressures

The Kurdistan Region has been repeatedly targeted by pro-Iran militias operating within Iraq. These attacks have intensified amid broader regional escalations involving Iran and its network of allies.

This situation has led the KRG to repeatedly urge Baghdad to take stronger action to control armed factions operating outside federal authority.

3. Oil Exports and Economic Strategy

Energy remains central to both political stability and regional diplomacy.

  • The KRG emphasized its decision to resume oil exports via pipeline to Turkey

  • This move is intended to relieve economic pressure on Iraq

  • It follows a broader agreement between Erbil and Baghdad to restart exports through coordinated channels

Additionally, Iraq has been exploring alternative export routes, including:

  • Routes through Baniyas in Syria

  • A potential corridor via Aqaba in Jordan

These efforts highlight Iraq’s push to diversify export infrastructure amid geopolitical uncertainty.

4. Strengthening Kurdistan–Jordan Relations

The relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Jordan has historically been strong, particularly in:

  • Trade and investment

  • Education cooperation

  • Health and institutional partnerships

Both sides reaffirmed this long-standing partnership during the call, signaling continued diplomatic alignment in a volatile regional environment.

Geopolitical Context & Analysis

This development is significant for several reasons:

Kurdistan as a Diplomatic Bridge

The Kurdistan Region continues to act as a semi-autonomous political actor within Iraq that maintains independent diplomatic relationships. Its engagement with Jordan reflects an effort to build regional partnerships beyond Baghdad.

Energy as a Political Tool

Oil exports are not just economic—they are deeply political. Control over pipeline routes (especially toward Turkey and potentially Jordan or Syria) gives Erbil leverage in negotiations with Baghdad and regional stakeholders.

Jordan’s Strategic Position

Jordan, under King Abdullah II, has consistently positioned itself as a stabilizing regional actor, balancing relations across competing blocs while prioritizing internal security and economic resilience.

Implications for the Region

  • Increased regional coordination among Middle Eastern actors facing shared instability

  • Energy diplomacy becoming a central pillar of foreign policy

  • Kurdistan’s growing external relations signaling semi-independent strategic engagement

  • Ongoing Iran-related tensions continuing to shape Iraq’s internal and external security landscape

Key Takeaways

  • PM Masrour Barzani and King Abdullah II discussed security threats and economic pressures

  • Both sides reaffirmed strong Kurdistan–Jordan relations

  • Oil exports via the Kurdistan pipeline to Turkey remain a critical economic factor

  • Iraq is exploring alternative export routes to diversify energy logistics

  • Regional instability continues to influence diplomacy, security, and energy policy

The growing interaction between Erbil and Amman signals an effort by both sides to strengthen regional cooperation amid uncertainty.

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