Transportation Communications of Iran, Cargo Delivery from Iran. Methods of Goods Transportation to Iran

Iran is one of the richest Asian countries. In 2017, Iran's economy surpassed Turkey's, and since then, the republic has had the strongest economy among Islamic states. The further growth of the economy is significantly hindered by Western sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The main income for the Iranian budget comes from the sale of oil and gas. Less than 1% of the country's population is employed in their extraction. 30% of Iranians are employed in industry, and 25% in agriculture. 60% of Iranians work in the service sector. In terms of its potential, Iran is an economic leader in its region.

Iran shares land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. There is a connection with Russia and Kazakhstan through the Caspian Sea, and with the rest of the world through the Arabian Sea. Iran has good transportation communications with neighboring countries via rail and road, as well as water transport through the Caspian Sea.

State of Transportation in Iran

Iran is a powerful industrial and transportation state. It has access to the Caspian Sea-lake and the Arabian Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean basin. The country's potential transit capabilities are far from fully utilized, largely due to complicated relations with the USA and European countries. Nevertheless, all modern types of transport: water, air, rail, and road are developed in the country. A quality and sufficiently modern infrastructure has been created for their operation.

Road Network of Iran

The condition of the main Iranian roads is good. There are some separate third-class broken roads, but overall, Iran's highways are the best in the region; many drivers claim that Iranian roads are even better than Israeli ones. Iran is a large country with various types of terrain. In mountainous areas, managing transport is difficult due to prolonged ascents and descents.

On intercity roads, Iranian drivers are disciplined, necessary road signs are present, and there is lighting near large cities. Inside cities, managing transport is challenging. The requirements of road signs, road markings, and traffic lights are practically not followed by drivers. It is considered that if the bumper of the neighboring car in the flow is a few centimeters ahead of yours, it has the advantage. That is, it can cross your path to drop off, for example, passengers.

Some sections of Iranian roads are toll roads. However, the payment amounts are small, about 0.5 euros for 100 km. The total length of the Iranian road network is 178,000 km. Three-quarters of the roads have a solid surface.

Infrastructure for Receiving Air Cargo

Iran has more than 300 civil airports. 129 airports have paved runways. Some airports have international status and can accept cargo from foreign countries. The most well-known airports are located in:

• Tehran.
• Isfahan.
• Shiraz.
• Tabriz.
• Mashhad.

Iranian Water Transport

The coastline of Iran is 2,440 km long. Of this, 740 km is along the Caspian coast. 80% of international cargo turnover is accounted for by water transport. In particular, with the collapse of the USSR, rail communication between Russia and Iran ceased. Now, Russian cargoes following the North-South transport corridor arrive in Iran via the Caspian Sea, are transshipped to the railway, and follow it to Iranian ports on the Arabian Sea.

Iran has two navigable rivers. The Karun River is navigable for 180 km. The Sefidrud River is navigable in certain sections. Additionally, navigation is carried out on Lake Urmia.

The main Iranian port on the Caspian Sea is Enzeli, and on the Arabian Sea is Bandar Abbas.

Railways of Iran

The length of Iranian railways has now reached 12,000 km. There are plans to build about 10,000 km more tracks. Iran has rail connections with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. A railway line to Iraq is planned.

The standard gauge of Iranian railways corresponds to the European standard and is 1,435 mm wide. In areas adjacent to Azerbaijan, the gauge is 1,520 mm, which corresponds to the standard of all countries that were previously part of the USSR. In areas bordering Pakistan, the width of the Iranian railway gauge is 1,676 mm. This is the Pakistani standard. The same is the standard gauge in India. In the distant future, direct rail transport from India to Iran is possible.

Export Goods of Iran

Iran supplies the following to international markets: oil, carpets, fruits and nuts, various chemicals, and weapons.