Iran requests Russian support for Caspian Sea port development

During a meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref requested that Russia strengthen its ports on the southern Caspian Sea. The proposal aims to protect and facilitate bilateral trade between the two nations.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted that trade between Russia and Iran is growing despite geopolitical challenges and sanctions. He highlighted the development of the International North–South Transport Corridor, which is intended to create new production and logistics chains across Eurasia.

The Iranian request seeks to utilize the Caspian Sea as an alternative trade route to bypass logistical pressures in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, providing a corridor toward Russia and onward to Asian and European markets. While the request was made during bilateral discussions, no formal agreement or signed commitment has been established yet.