Iran Seeks Urgent Return of Up to 18,000 Containers Stranded at Pakistani Ports

Islamabad: Iran has urged Pakistan to facilitate the swift return of thousands of cargo containers stranded at Pakistani ports during the recent US-Iran conflict, with Iranian authorities describing the matter as a priority.

According to senior officials from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of containers destined for Iranian ports but currently held at Pakistani ports has risen to between **13,000 and 18,000**.

The officials said the cargo belongs to private-sector traders, who are eager to receive their shipments as soon as possible in order to resume normal business operations, ensure the supply of essential goods, and keep industrial production running.

The stranded containers reportedly carry a wide range of essential imports, including industrial machinery parts, automotive components, household equipment, agricultural and irrigation supplies, pesticides, mobile phone repair equipment, heavy truck tyres, laptops, computers, food items, and medical and surgical equipment. Much of the cargo originated from China and other countries.

During the conflict, some shipments bound for Iran and other destinations were diverted to Pakistan, with cargo arriving at Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port. However, Iranian officials said that the majority of containers intended for Iran are currently located at Karachi Port.

Responding to questions about efforts to retrieve the cargo, Iranian Foreign Ministry sources said Tehran is seeking to use the fastest available route, preferring direct sea transportation.

While reports have suggested that the containers could first be moved to Gwadar before being shipped to Iran, a senior Iranian official described this as an alternative option. He said the most practical and cost-effective solution would be to transport the containers directly from Karachi to Chabahar Port by sea.

Iranian officials also expressed hope that following President **Masoud Pezeshkian’s** recent visit to Pakistan, the prompt dispatch of the stranded containers to Iranian ports with the cooperation of Pakistani authorities would serve as a practical demonstration of strengthening bilateral ties.