Fars: Iran considers expanding foreign trade through the north and the Caspian Sea

Against the backdrop of disruptions on southern routes and growing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is exploring opportunities to develop foreign trade through the country's northern regions and the Caspian Sea, the Fars news agency said, according to Report.

"Under these circumstances, particular importance is being attached to a route that some experts call the Caspian Express. This route could connect Iran through its northern ports with Russia and then with the Eurasian transport network, partially reducing the country"s dependence on southern trade routes," the article says.

The article notes that the Caspian Sea could also become an important route for importing essential goods, grain, agricultural products, timber and raw materials from Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as for exporting Iranian agricultural, industrial and construction products.

"Under these circumstances, the priority should not be to expedite the approval of the relevant document, but rather to complete the necessary studies and conduct a comprehensive review.

"For Iran, the main issue concerning the Caspian Sea is not only how much water surface or seabed area will fall under its jurisdiction, but also what share of the trade, transit and economic benefits the country will be able to derive from the use of the Caspian Sea," the study says.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said conditions had been created to take relations with Azerbaijan to a new level. Among the countries with which he is considering new opportunities for cooperation is Turkmenistan, another Caspian littoral state.