An Iranian parliamentary commission has planned to set up a special committee to accelerate the shipment of essential goods, as the country faces port restrictions in southern waters due to US maritime blockade, a senior lawmaker said.
Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kouchi, head of the commission, told the Iran Chamber of Commerce’s news website that 90% of Iran’s basic commodities are transported by sea, with private companies accounting for 60% of that volume. “We must support them so they can properly fulfil their duties under these tough conditions of economic war,” he said on the sidelines of a meeting with private sector activists in maritime transport.
The new committee, formed in collaboration with the Iran Chamber of Commerce, the Ports and Maritime Organization, and a representative from shipping companies, will prepare executive proposals to be submitted both to the government and the Supreme National Security Council, Kouchi added.
He acknowledged restrictions affecting southern Iranian ports under wartime pressures. “In the south, we are facing problems,” he said, adding that neighboring countries to the north and east could help supply essential goods.
“We need to negotiate and improve relations with these nations and remove obstacles.”
Rezaei Kouchi also called on the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to plan for road-based cargo transport as an alternative route.