Shipping Official: Iran's Maritime Trade Continues Uninterrupted Despite US Naval Blockade
According to the Secretary-General of the Iran Shipping Association, despite the US-imposed naval blockade, Iran's maritime trade flow has not stopped, and ships are reaching ports by crossing the blockade. In the meantime, the reinforcement of alternative routes has significantly increased the country's economic resilience.
Masoud Polmeh, in an interview with Fars News Agency, stated that the scope of the US naval blockade is 300 nautical miles (approximately 500 kilometers), which has caused disruption for a limited number of vessels.He noted that this US action violates international law and is merely psychological pressure and posturing, adding that most Iranian vessels—both tankers and container ships—cross the blockade with the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces and reach the country's Southern ports.Regarding the import of essential goods after Trump's naval blockade, Polmeh said that the flow of essential goods into Iran continues, and if this situation persists, the economies of Persian Gulf Arab countries and the United States will suffer more than Iran's.He stated that in the event of any obstruction of Iran's Southern ports to open seas, the country's Northern ports—along with land borders (especially the railway connection to China or Central Asian countries and Russia)—will keep Iran's access open for the import of essential goods.Polmeh added that Iran has land borders with over seven countries and maritime connections with five countries, which will increase Iran's economic resilience. More than 80% of Iran's maritime trade is conducted through Southern ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
In contrast, the country's Northern ports are located on the Caspian Sea, primarily maintaining maritime links with Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, and a significant portion of the North–South Corridor's regional and transit trade passes through this route.
14:31 - 6 اردیبهشت 1405
