The head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce has proposed the formation of a specialized "continuous foreign trade headquarters" to safeguard the country's export networks against unilateral US sanctions and maritime restrictions.

Speaking at the National Conference of Export Associations on Monday, Samad Hassanzadeh emphasized that protecting the flow of trade requires operational measures and seamless cooperation between the government and the private sector to overcome external pressures.

To counter Western efforts to choke Iran's trade routes, Hassanzadeh outlined a strategy to diversify transportation corridors, including the expansion of northern ports, railway networks, and land borders.

He also called for the modernization of customs procedures through electronic document exchanges and pre-clearance systems to accelerate cross-border trade.

Addressing financial hurdles, the Chamber chief urged the Central Bank to design flexible working capital facilities and adapt currency repatriation policies to the realities of operating under a sanctions regime.

He further highlighted the need for specialized insurance coverage to mitigate the elevated costs on high-risk shipping routes.

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Dehghan Dehnavi argued that Iran must reconsider the structure of its exports.

Hassanzadeh also warned of shifting dynamics in neighboring markets, particularly Iraq, where Western policies and fierce competition from countries like China, India, and Turkey are altering the landscape.

He stressed the urgent need to diversify export destinations to maintain economic momentum and reduce reliance on any single market.

Concluding his remarks, Hassanzadeh called for national unity, urging the private sector to stand firmly with the government and the nation to keep businesses operational, protect domestic employment, and ultimately defeat the economic plots of the enemy.