Iran and Turkey Agree to Form Joint Customs Working Group and Ease Truck Crossings

Iran's economy minister and Turkey's trade minister agreed to set up a joint working group and hold regular meetings of border customs managers at talks in Istanbul reported early on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Mehr reported that Seyed Ali Madanizadeh and Omer Bolat discussed obstacles to truck movements and freight transit, with particular attention to the Bazargan crossing.

The ministers also stressed the need for round-the-clock border customs operations and a timetable for freight transit. A separate free-zone working group remains under consideration; the report does not say it has begun work. Agreement on a mechanism is distinct from an actual reduction in truck waiting times. The crossing matters to overland trade between Iran and Turkey.