Iran seeks alternative trade routes through Turkey

Disruptions in trade through Iran’s southern ports are prompting Tehran to seek alternative transportation corridors, placing renewed emphasis on the route through Turkey. The Van and Kapıköy border crossing is emerging as a strategic gateway for Iranian trade to reach European markets via land and rail connections.

In 2024, train ferries on Lake Van transported approximately 477,000 tons of cargo, highlighting the importance of the rail link between Iran and Turkey. As Iran diversifies its routes to include the Caspian Sea, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia, the Turkish corridor remains a vital link for connecting Iranian goods to Western road and rail networks.