On May 29, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, instructed the government to strengthen the use of neighboring countries’ capacities, including Azerbaijan, for importing essential goods. Following a meeting with ministers and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Pezeshkian emphasized the need to better exploit the country’s northern ports and to develop alternative trade routes. He also called for expanded cooperation with neighboring states such as Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Russia in order to ensure the stable import of essential commodities.

"The president emphasized the need to maximize the potential of the country's northern ports, develop alternative trade corridors, and leverage the capabilities of neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Russia, to secure and import certain essential goods, and called for the accelerated implementation of relevant agreements in this area," the statement reads. Pezeshkian stated that he is prepared, if necessary, to personally engage with regional leaders to remove obstacles affecting the supply and transportation of essential goods and medicines.

During the same meeting, officials reviewed the situation regarding imports of essential goods, medicines, and other critical resources, particularly in light of restrictions emerging at several southern border crossings. The Minister of Economy reported that, following consultations with neighboring countries, capacity at multiple land border checkpoints and alternative transport corridors has already been expanded and reinforced to facilitate and accelerate the flow of imports.