The National Interest: Caspian sea becomes key route for Iran

The Caspian Sea is gaining strategic importance for Iran amid the ongoing military conflict and restrictions on maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, The National Interest reports.

The outlet said that up to 90% of Iran’s foreign trade previously passed through the Persian Gulf.

However, due to the current situation, a significant share of these routes has become inaccessible, making northern corridors critically important.

“For Iranian goods to reach markets, its non-Arab and non-Gulf transport links—eg, through the Caspian—are now essential to global commerce,” the analysis noted.

At the same time, alternative routes are also facing difficulties.

In particular, strikes on the port of Bandar-e Anzali in Iran’s Gilan province, recorded in March and April, damaged trade infrastructure and complicated regional logistics.

Russia is playing a notable role in the Caspian route, having increased trade volumes with Iran.

According to analysts, the region is being used for supplies of various equipment, including through alternative logistics schemes.

As the report highlights, the Caspian Sea is gradually transforming from a primarily commercial waterway into a key element of economic and strategic infrastructure.

In this context, the northern route is becoming a crucial factor in sustaining Iran’s external economic activity.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov