Plans unveiled to revamp logistics network after Hormuz blockade
Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq Malvajerd announced plans to restructure the country's logistics network and expand northern port capacity as the country seeks alternative trade routes following a US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted operations at the UAE's Jebel Ali port.
Sadeq Malvajerd made the announcement on the sidelines of a meeting with members of Parliament's Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Environment Committee, according to the Mehr news agency.
Sadeq Malvajerd said the meeting reviewed the restructuring of Iran's logistics network, border terminals, and the capacity of northern ports, citing hostile US actions. With the committee’s input, cooperation will be strengthened for the optimal distribution of essential goods nationwide, she said.
Since May 13, following a 40-day conflict, the US has imposed an illegal naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz – a critical chokepoint for about a fifth of global oil supply – disrupting shipping routes and energy trade. Iran is seeking to diversify its logistics corridors amid mounting pressure.
In a separate development, Masoud Polmeh, secretary-general of the Shipping Association and Related Services, told ISNA that Iran can source essential goods, including animal feed, from the Caucasus and CIS countries.
"We can easily supply a significant portion of wheat, corn, barley and similar items from Kazakhstan, Russia and other countries without needing to pass through various routes," Polmeh said.
He addressed challenges with neighboring countries including the UAE, noting that the UAE was not Iran's main export destination but rather a hub for "re-exports" to global markets.
Iran is redirecting cargo and logistics operations to ports in Pakistan, India and Oman after activities at the United Arab Emirates' Jebel Ali port stopped amid wartime conditions.
"With one of the target markets, considering field logistics management, we have shifted part of our activities from sea to rail," Polmeh said. He added that for buffer markets or transshipment ports linked to the UAE, Iran should consider at least three locations for logistics management rather than concentrating operations in the UAE and Jebel Ali port as before.
"We definitely should use other countries including Oman and Pakistan and maintain balance in economic communications in logistics," the shipping official said.