The Iranian government is expressing concern over recent disruptions to border trade, particularly following reports of increased restrictions by neighboring countries. Although the United States has not formally imposed a land blockade on Iran, closures of crossings with Pakistan and Iraq, alongside ongoing freight traffic issues at the Turkish border, have heightened anxiety in Tehran.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, discussed the ramifications in an interview with Drop Site, stating that a prolonged blockade would significantly impact Iranian families, investments, and economic maintenance. “Anyone who says otherwise is not being realistic,” he remarked, adding that Washington’s expectations of coercing Tehran into compliance through worsening economic conditions may be misguided.
According to Agence France-Presse, the U.S. is pushing neighboring countries to strengthen border controls. President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that a maritime blockade has severely halted trade through southern sea routes, which previously accounted for 75% to 80% of Iran’s trade.
In a bid to mediate between Tehran and Washington, Pakistan has suspended operations at its border crossings, citing technical issues. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the two nations are engaged in talks to reopen these pathways. Following the U.S. maritime blockade, Iranian traders have started using Pakistani ports as alternative routes. However, complications such as stringent requirements for electronic bills of lading and challenges in financial transactions complicate this trade, according to Peyman Sanandaji from the Tehran Chamber of Commerce.
Pakistan recently shut the Rimdan–Gabd and Taftan crossings due to security concerns, although Iranian officials reported that the Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir had some crossings reopened during a visit to Tehran. As it currently stands, Pakistan is permitting only certain goods, including Iranian gas and perishable items, to pass through.
Iranian lawmaker Fada-Hossein Maleki warned that Iran might close its border if shipping routes remain obstructed, which could adversely affect Pakistan’s exports to Turkey and Central Asia as well as its fuel imports from Iran.
In Iraq, the recent closure of the Chazabeh–Al-Shaib crossing, ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, aimed to curtail drug smuggling and protect Iraqi sovereignty. Abdul Amir Taiban, an advisor to the prime minister, accused Iran of undermining the Iraqi economy. Despite having 13 official border crossings that facilitate significant trade, any extended restrictions could hinder Iran’s economic activities.
Trade through Turkey, Iran’s third-largest trading partner, is also facing strain at the Bazargan crossing, which has reported delays of up to 20 days. While Turkey has the capacity to process around 1,000 Iranian trucks daily, only 200 to 300 have been allowed through recently, while 600 Turkish trucks enter Iran each day. The resulting bottleneck could threaten one of Iran’s last major trade routes.
Despite sharing land borders with seven countries, Iran’s alternatives for trade are limited, as routes with Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Afghanistan are operational but face their own constraints. As Iran navigates these challenges, experts indicate that the ongoing disruptions could further strain an already pressured economy.
