Amid rising tensions along southern corridors and growing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is considering reorienting its foreign trade toward northern directions. According to an analysis published by the “Fars” news agency, Tehran plans to make more active use of the Caspian Sea as a transit route to reduce its dependence on southern maritime paths.
Sea-news.az reports that experts have dubbed this route the “Caspian Express,” serving as a viable alternative that connects Iran’s northern ports to the transport networks of Russia and Eurasia.
The Caspian Sea will function as a strategic corridor for importing grain, agricultural products, timber, and raw materials from Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as for exporting Iranian industrial, construction, and agricultural goods.
The article emphasizes that Iran’s top priority is not merely the water area or seabed sectors, but rather maximizing the economic, commercial, and transit dividends gained from the Caspian.
According to statements by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tehran views elevating relations with Caspian littoral partners—particularly Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan—to a new level as a key priority. This approach also gives fresh momentum to the full-capacity operation of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
