@Carson. Nice idea but I think that even with a reduced load you are looking at a fuel stop on the way to NI at the very least. The great circle takes a track directly through Iraq. If I am not mistaken most flights to and from the Gulf States route east of Iraq via Iran . That alone would increase the mileage. Add on the standard IFR reserves and an intermediate stop looks increasingly likely. That would increase time enroute and have an inevitable cost penalty.
Who knows though?