IRAN PLANS TO USE ALTERNATIVE PORTS OUTSIDE SOUTHERN IRAN TO AVOID U.S. BLOCKADES AT THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ.
THIS IS BASED ON MEHR NEWS REPORT. IT IS A CONTINGENCY PLAN, NOT FULLY OPERATIONAL YET.
U.S. BLOCKADE TARGETS IRANIAN PORTS AND COASTAL AREAS. SOUTHERN PORTS HANDLE MOST OIL EXPORTS.
ALTERNATIVES INCLUDE CHABAHAR AND CASPIAN SEA PORTS, BUT SHIFTING LARGE VOLUMES IS LIMITED SHORT-TERM.