No Disruption in Iran-Russia Trade During 12-Day War

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to ILNA, Tizhoush Taban explained that field surveys conducted in Astara, a key border city central to Iran’s trade with Russia, confirmed that commercial exchanges between the two countries remained stable throughout the conflict period. “There was no meaningful change in trade volumes during the war,” he said, emphasizing that goods and commercial products continued to be exported and imported as usual, both during and after the conflict.

Highlighting the resilience of economic ties, Tizhoush Taban noted that Iran and Russia enjoy a strong relationship supported by significant economic agreements. “Iran’s participation in organizations like BRICS and the Eurasian Economic Union underlines the depth of these relations,” he added. Consequently, neither the outbreak of hostilities nor the subsequent ceasefire had a major effect on bilateral trade.

Regarding the volume of trade in spring 2025, Tizhoush Taban cited official data from the Astara Customs Office. Between March 20 and June 20, Iran exported approximately 274,070 tons of goods, valued at over $145 million, through Astara’s rail and road customs facilities. This represents an 18% increase in export volume compared to the same period last year. The exported goods were destined not only for Russia but also for countries including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

On the import side, Iran brought in about 54,910 tons of goods worth around $44.6 million via Astara’s rail, road, and sea customs points. However, this figure shows a 36% decrease in import volume compared to spring 2024. These imports came mainly from Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Belarus, and other countries.

Tizhoush Taban stressed that, despite the decline in import volumes, there is no fundamental issue affecting trade between Iran and Russia. “We have not faced specific problems in this area,” he emarked. He also mentioned that air shipments to Russia, which had been temporarily disrupted, are expected to return to normal with the resumption of flights. “Iran-Russia ”

Overall, the data indicate that Iran’s trade with Russia remains resilient even in the face of regional tensions, backed by deep-rooted economic cooperation and strategic agreements. According to Tizhoush Taban, official foreign trade statistics are regularly published by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration and can be accessed through its website.

The report concludes that while external conflicts may pose challenges, the solid trade infrastructure and diplomatic ties between Iran and Russia continue to support stable and, in some areas, growing economic exchanges.