Tehran is looking for alternative access to international markets, with the Caspian Sea on Iran’s northern coast emerging as one potential route, Al Jazeera reported.
The move comes amid a continuing standoff between Iran and the United States. Recent diplomatic efforts at the United Nations have not produced a breakthrough, while US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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With no immediate agreement to end the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, Tehran is adjusting its trade routes to maintain the flow of exports and imports.
However, experts cited by Al Jazeera say using the Caspian Sea for maritime trade presents its own logistical challenges.
Iran’s main commercial and oil-export infrastructure is concentrated along its southern coastline, meaning a shift toward northern maritime routes would require changes to transportation and logistics networks.
The Caspian route could nevertheless provide Tehran with an additional channel for maintaining trade with countries to its north and beyond as disruptions continue in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
