TPO cites 26 official crossings to offset maritime curbs
The head of Iran's Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) said on Wednesday that the country has alternative trade routes through 26 official crossings and its Eurasian economic ties that can offset growing maritime restrictions, though costs will rise.
Mohammad Ali Dehqan Dehnavi told reporters that while sea routes benefit from lower transport costs, they are not the only option available, and that in the event of restrictions, Iran can use 26 official land crossings to conduct trade, Mehr news agency reported.
"Obviously, using alternative routes will increase transport costs and may lengthen transit times, and some infrastructure will need to be developed," Dehnavi said. "But that does not mean trade routes are closed. With the efforts of various bodies, meeting the country's import and export needs will continue."
"Cooperation frameworks were already in place, and thanks to agreements and growing convergence – including Iran's observer status in the union – greater reliance on these capacities is possible," he added. "Part of the needs previously met through the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are now being supplied via these routes."
Iran's southern ports remain under a US naval blockade, which President Donald Trump imposed in mid-April, aiming to pressure Tehran into a peace agreement after a 40-day US-Israeli war that began in late February. Iran is seeking to diversify its logistics corridors to counter growing restrictions on its trade routes.
Asked what plans Iran has if conditions worsen and restrictions tighten, he said higher transport costs would be unavoidable, and that for some export goods, economic viability had already decreased on certain routes. However, he said, given the diversity of available routes and opportunities, the country's trade would not come to a halt, though higher costs are a significant reality that must be accepted.
UAE trade ties revivable
"If conditions improve and agreements are reached, it will be possible to resume and strengthen trade cooperation with countries like the UAE," he said. "Trade is always a win-win game where both sides benefit. With the restoration of peace, damaged relationships can also be revived and developed."
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.