Iraq Says War Impact on Transport Projects Limited as Port Trade Continues
Shipping Arabia, September 26, 2026 – Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said the impact of the regional war on the country’s transport projects remains limited, although Iraqi ports have been affected by the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Hussein Ahmed, director of media and government communications at the ministry, said essential goods and food supplies continue to move through Iraqi ports. Vessel operations also remain active despite the regional disruption.
The ministry said Iraqi ports have faced pressures similar to those affecting other ports in the region. However, the crisis has not stopped the movement of essential supplies needed to support economic activity and daily life.
Road Transport Activity Increases
Road transport activity has increased during the crisis as Iraq continues moving cargo through alternative channels. Around 1,500 trucks have departed through the country’s western crossing.
International transport movements have also exceeded 7,000 operations during the recent period, reaching markets in Central Asia. The ministry said this activity has helped maintain trade flows while maritime transport in the region remains under pressure.
Continued road movements have therefore supported the flow of goods alongside active port operations.
Iraqi Ports Remain Operational
Ahmed said vessel activity is continuing at Iraqi ports and that flows of essential commodities remain in place. This includes food supplies and other goods required by the domestic market.
The ministry said the Strait of Hormuz crisis has affected Iraqi ports, but operations have continued despite the disruption. The continued movement of vessels and cargo has helped prevent a complete interruption to essential supply flows.
The ministry also highlighted the role of international land transport in supporting connectivity beyond Iraq during the crisis.
Oil Exports Face Greater Impact
While the broader effect on transport projects remains limited, Ahmed said the crisis has had a significant impact on Iraqi oil exports.
The ministry did not provide figures on the scale of the decline or the volume of exports affected.
Despite these pressures, port activity and road transport movements have continued, helping Iraq maintain the movement of essential goods and trade flows during the regional disruption.
Source: Al Jazeera