Iraq and Syria have concluded a cooperation agreement aimed at reconstructing a pipeline that will transport oil from Iraqi fields to the Syrian Mediterranean coast. This initiative is part of a US-brokered deal intended to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle East Eye first reported that the United States is mediating efforts to restore the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline. Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Turkey and envoy for Syria, led this process. Following exclusive reports from MEE, the news was covered by Bloomberg, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times.
The agreement was signed during the US-Iraq Business Council meeting in Washington, D.C. The signatories were Bassem Abdul Karim Nasr, head of the Basra Oil Company from Iraq, and Youssef Kablaoui, CEO of the Syrian Oil Company from Syria. The signing was overseen by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The US Department of State characterized the pipeline upgrade as a 'priority infrastructure project of bilateral and regional strategic importance.' The Department stated in a release: 'The United States welcomes the participation of a US-led international consortium to carry out the technical and financial aspects of this project.' This project is significant because the US seeks to strengthen ties between Baghdad and Damascus to reduce Iranian influence in the region and its control over global energy flows in the Persian Gulf.
The pipeline reconstruction is being carried out by a consortium that includes the American energy company Chevron, based in Los Angeles, TI Capital, and the Al-Hayat brothers, billionaires from Syria and Qatar. These brothers have already concluded multi-billion dollar deals in Syria in finance, infrastructure, real estate, and aviation.
This project became one of several presented during the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi to the US this week. During his visit, he met with President Donald Trump at the White House. A high-ranking Iraqi official told MEE that Barrack established good working relations with Zaydi and intends to use this pipeline as a model for business projects in the Levant, which he actively promotes as beneficial for the US and local governments.
The pipeline was launched in 1952 by Iraq's 'Petroleum Company' with a capacity of about 300,000 barrels per day (bpd). However, Baghdad ceased operation of the line in the 1980s after Syria supported Iran during the Iran-Iraq War. After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, the line sustained serious damage and was effectively rendered inoperable. Its restoration requires large-scale repair work, including the installation of new pumps, storage tanks, and electrical systems.
According to a senior regional official, the pipeline may need to be completely replaced, which would take two to three years. He also noted that a consortium of American firms has already been engaged for the reconstruction, indicating US commitment to the matter.
Volkswagen has introduced the Amarok V6 Unlimited in Argentina, a special edition restricted to only 500 numbered units. This model signals the end of the current generation of the pickup truck, which has been available on the market since 2010, and precedes the arrival of a new Chinese-origin version, expected in 2027.
The reveal took place at the manufacturer's booth during the Rural Exhibition held in Buenos Aires. Production of the acclaimed V6 engine in General Pacheco will be halted until the end of 2026. Based on the top-tier V6 Extreme configuration, the Unlimited will be available at dealerships starting in September, focusing on aesthetic and finishing attributes intended for collectors and enthusiasts of the current architecture.
The exhibited vehicle featured the new Volcán gray color, contrasting with glossy black elements such as bumpers, rearview mirrors, fender flares, and the tailgate. Under the hood, the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine maintains its power of 258 hp, capable of temporarily reaching 272 hp in overboost mode, in addition to generating 59.1 kgfm of torque. It is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and features permanent all-wheel drive.
The Unlimited's visual package includes 20-inch wheels with a darkened finish, as well as black grille and emblems, replacing aluminum platforms with tubular running boards. Inside, the car features leather upholstery with exclusive embroidery and a numbered plaque positioned behind the gear selector, underlining the exclusivity of each unit. In terms of technology, it follows the line's standard, offering a 9-inch multimedia center and driving assistance systems.
This launch concludes an important cycle for the Argentine industry. Manufactured in General Pacheco since 2010, the Amarok was pioneering as the first mid-size pickup developed by a European automotive conglomerate. It achieved icon status after the introduction of the V6 engine in 2017. During its lifecycle, approximately 800,000 units were produced, with about 60% destined for export to more than 100 countries.
As the current version bids farewell, Volkswagen is developing its successor, internally named Project Patagonia. This new pickup will result from a global collaboration with the Chinese group SAIC and will use the Maxus Interstellar X (also known as Terron 9) as its technical base, being larger than the current Amarok. The project is linked to a US$ 580 million investment in the Pacheco factory, with a commercial launch forecast for the first quarter of 2027.
Honda will discontinue the sale of the Prologue model in the United States after the end of the 2026 model year. This move results in the absence of any fully electric vehicle from the manufacturer in the largest global market, at least temporarily, forcing the company to focus more on hybrid vehicles.
The Prologue was initially introduced as a transition option while Honda worked on its own electric technology. It emerged from an established collaboration with General Motors, a period during which the Japanese manufacturer had promised a billion-dollar investment in electrification. In reality, both the Prologue and the Acura ZDX were variations of the Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq, both built on GM's Ultium platform.
The pair of vehicles faced a lukewarm market response. Although the Prologue registered good sales at certain times, the ZDX sold in small quantities and was discontinued even in 2025. Sales data justifies the decision: in 2025, Prologue sales rose by 19.1%, totaling 39,194 units, an increase driven by consumers rushing to obtain the benefit of the federal tax credit before its expiration. However, once the incentive was removed, demand plummeted, registering only 932 registrations in December, representing an 88.6% drop. This decline continued in 2026; in the first half, Honda sold 8,407 electric vehicles, a setback of 48.5% compared to the same period last year, equivalent to approximately 1,400 monthly units.
Due to poor performance, the Prologue became the second best-selling Honda in the country, only behind the Prelude. Sales were so modest that the electric SUV was surpassed by all Acura models still in production, including the RDX, which is also scheduled to be discontinued. This decision is part of a broader reorganization of the company in the electrification sector. In addition to the Acura ZDX, which was discontinued in 2025, Honda also canceled the Series 0 projects (including the 0 Sedan and 0 SUV), the Acura RSX, and Sony Honda Mobility, the electric car brand developed jointly with Sony and responsible for the Afeela.
Honda announced that current Prologue owners will continue to receive full support through the dealership network, covering services, parts, and warranty coverage. This closure signals, for now, the end of the brand's presence in the pure electric segment in the US, given that American consumers continue to show a preference for hybrid models. Despite this, the company has not completely abandoned electrification and continues to develop its own electric vehicle architecture for the coming years.
The cost-benefit of an iPhone is determined by several factors, including the projection of software updates, performance potential, and the price charged in the national market. Previous generations, such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models, become more advantageous options after subsequent price reductions following each launch, being cited as economical alternatives for 2026.
Tecnoblog conducted an analysis of the main iPhones currently on the market to help consumers identify the best combination of specifications and price, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each Apple smartphone.
The iPhone 16e was launched to redefine the range of more affordable devices within the Apple ecosystem. This model features the A18 processor and the same 8GB of RAM as higher-end models, promising good performance for multitasking and demanding applications, such as games. Its simplified design includes the return of the classic notch on the screen and a simple rear camera system with a 48-megapixel sensor. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display ensures true colors and intense brightness.
The iPhone 16 offers excellent value for money for those who want to invest slightly less than the newest model while maintaining innovations and contemporary design. It comes equipped with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, sufficient to run all of Apple's productivity and smart editing tools with high performance. A major advantage is the 48-megapixel main sensor, coupled with the camera control button, which allows quick adjustments of focus, exposure, and zoom through intuitive gestures. Additionally, the device has long battery life and uses the USB-C port, representing a modern and balanced option at a more competitive retail price.
For those seeking a cutting-edge smartphone at the lowest cost, the iPhone 17 is the main recommendation. Equipped with the new A19 processor, it guarantees excellent processing speed and optimized energy efficiency, allowing complex tasks and multitasking to run smoothly for several years. The basic model now incorporates 120Hz ProMotion technology, present in Pro models, along with 48-megapixel main and ultrawide cameras. The front camera system also features Center Stage for automatic subject framing.
The iPhone 15 Pro remains a notable purchase due to its depreciation in the market. Built from light and durable titanium, it houses the A17 Pro processor, an advanced architecture chip that natively supports console gaming and heavy graphics processing, keeping it at the same performance level as recent releases. Its three-camera system includes a dedicated telephoto lens for distortion-free optical zooms and professional recordings. With a 120Hz ProMotion display, it provides a complete premium experience for a price comparable to a current mid-range model.
Launched in 2023, the iPhone 15 is seen as the ideal balance point for the average user who wants to enter the main Apple line with minimal investment. It features the Dynamic Island interface for dynamic notifications at the top of the screen, the A16 Bionic processor, which offers good thermal stability, and USB-C connectivity, facilitating the use of universal cables. Even without dedicated deep artificial intelligence hardware, the device stands out with a high-resolution 48-megapixel camera and impeccable video stabilization, making it a safe choice for those looking for an updated, beautiful, and fast smartphone at more accessible prices.
When deciding which iPhone offers the best cost-benefit in 2026, it is crucial to weigh the available budget, usage profile, and intended period of use. It is recommended to observe some specific technical aspects:
Regarding the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the decision depends on the budget. Although it is one of the best smartphones of 2026, presenting the peak in screen, autonomy, and professional cameras with extended zoom, its retail price tends to be very high. For this reason, standard versions usually offer a better financial return for the consumer.
Purchasing a used iPhone can be advantageous, provided it is done with caution. Display models or pre-owned devices represent good opportunities for savings, but it is essential to check the battery health (preferably above 80% to 85%) and ensure the perfect functioning of all original components, such as Face ID and True Tone screen, before finalizing the purchase.
It is not recommended to buy the iPhone 11 in 2026. Despite having received updates to the latest iOS, the model is over six years old and lacks current technologies such as 5G connectivity, OLED screen, USB-C port, and Apple Intelligence support. Furthermore, it is likely that the current operating system version is the last released for this device.
Similarly, buying the iPhone SE in 2026 is not advised. With the emergence of the iPhone 16e as a modern and affordable entry-level model, older versions of the iPhone SE, with small LCD screens and a physical Home button, have lost relevance for most users seeking larger screens and good battery life.
