BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 16. Lower political
risks could improve logistics economics after the reopening of the
Strait of Hormuz, the International Transport Forum told Trend.
The assessment was made in response to Trend's question on how
lasting peace between the United States and Iran could influence
logistics investment and reshape the regional transport market.
According to the International Transport Forum (ITF), lower
political risks could reduce operating costs on transport routes
linked to Iran.
"Lower political risk could reduce insurance, financing and
compliance costs on Iran-related routes," the organization
said.
At the same time, the ITF believes investors and logistics
operators are unlikely to change their approach immediately.
"However, investors and logistics operators may remain cautious
until changes in sanctions, banking access and political relations
appear durable," the organization noted.
The ITF outlined several opportunities that could emerge for
logistics providers in a reshaped regional trade environment.
"Growth in multimodal transport combining rail, road, sea and
port services. Increased demand for cargo tracking, customs support
and real-time route management. Development of logistics hubs in
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan serving both east-west and north-south
trade," the organization said.
The organization also identified key challenges that could
affect the pace of logistics development.
"Different customs rules, tariffs, technical standards and
documentation requirements across countries. Possible capacity
constraints at ports, border crossings, and rail terminals.
Continued uncertainty around sanctions, insurance cover, banking
and payment systems," the organization added.
Meanwhile, as no tangible progress was made in the nuclear
negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the situation escalated on
February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military
airstrikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran initiated missile and
drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. installations in the
region. Following these developments, a two-week ceasefire
agreement was brokered on April 7 through Pakistan's mediation.
A peace memorandum was signed between Iran and the U.S. on June
18. The memorandum was signed by Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump. The memorandum came
into effect on June 19.
On June 21, the first round of talks between Iran and the U.S.
took place in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Among
the issues discussed was the restoration of safe navigation through
the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically
important maritime chokepoints, following weeks of heightened
military tensions and disruptions to regional shipping. The
waterway carries around one-fifth of global oil consumption and a
significant share of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade,
making its uninterrupted operation critical for global shipping,
energy markets and supply chains.
