Why Iran cannot be sealed off? Borders turned into an Economic Lifeline

By Elijah J. Magnier –

The disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has forced Iran to redraw its commercial map. Instead of depending overwhelmingly on its southern ports, Tehran is redirecting imports and exports across its 5,894 kilometres of land borders with seven countries, while expanding shipping through the Caspian Sea.

Traffic through different crossings has reportedly increased by between 20 and 70 per cent, although these figures refer to particular borders, cargo categories and reporting periods—not a uniform increase across every frontier. Cargo activity at certain Iranian Caspian ports has also reportedly risen by approximately 70 per cent during some recent months.

The shift is significant, but it comes at a price. Longer journeys, congested crossings, additional customs procedures and repeated cargo handling can add approximately 30 per cent—and in some cases one-third—to the landed cost of imported goods.

Iran’s seven land frontiers are approximately:

• Iraq: 1,599 kilometres
• Turkmenistan: 1,148 kilometres
• Pakistan: 959 kilometres
• Afghanistan: 921 kilometres
• Azerbaijan: 689 kilometres
• Türkiye: 534 kilometres
• Armenia: 44 kilometres