The potential collapse of Syria's Baathist regime could revive discussions about a long-shelved natural gas pipeline project proposed by Qatar, Turkish officials said Tuesday.

The $10 billion pipeline project, designed to transport gas from Qatar's vast South Pars/North Dome field to Europe via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Turkish distribution terminals, was proposed in 2009 but reportedly rejected by then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who allegedly favored Russia’s Interest.

"For a Syria that has achieved unity and stability, why not?" Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, referring to the proposed route. "If this happens, the route must be secure. Hopefully, it will be, as that is our wish."

Qatar, which holds the world's third-largest natural gas reserves, sought to diversify its export routes beyond costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. The proposed pipeline, spanning 1,500 kilometers, aimed to bypass Russia and directly supply European markets.

However, Assad reportedly rejected the project in favor of his own "Four Seas Strategy," which envisioned Syria as a transit hub for gas flows from the Gulf, Black Sea, Caucasus, and Mediterranean.

The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011, significantly disrupted regional energy infrastructure, including the Arab Gas Pipeline, which was intended to connect Egypt to Türkiye and further link with Europe.

The potential revival of the Qatar-Türkiye pipeline project hinges on the restoration of stability and security in Syria.