Iranian Vice President for Parliamentary and Strategic Affairs Mohsen Esmaeili has called for an urgent reduction in dependence on the country’s southern ports to keep trade flowing amid wartime maritime restrictions. He also stressed the importance of developing alternative trade routes.

He made the remarks during a meeting with government officials and business representatives on Saturday (October 17), according to Iran International.

Esmaeili said expanding the use of alternative trade routes would strengthen Iran’s ability to cope with crises. He described the initiative as essential to overcoming disruptions to maritime transport and trade caused by the war.

During the meeting, he emphasised the need to diversify trade routes. Reducing excessive dependence on southern ports and developing alternative routes could create more opportunities for Iran to maintain trade operations while improving its ability to deal with obstacles arising from wartime maritime restrictions, he said.

Esmaeili stressed that developing alternative trade routes should not be limited to the current conflict but should remain a long-term national priority.

His remarks highlighted three key priorities: reducing dependence on southern ports, expanding alternative trade routes and strengthening Iran’s long-term trade resilience.

According to Esmaeili, diversifying trade routes would help Iran navigate the constraints imposed by the ongoing war while also strengthening its preparedness for future challenges.