UND Closely Monitors Border Congestion on Return Routes from Iran and Nakhchivan

Critical Situation at Turkey's Eastern Border Crossings Based on reports published on June 29, 2026, the International Transporters Association (UND) warned that congestion on return routes from Iran and Nakhchivan has reached a critical level. According to official statistics, approximately 3,700 trucks at the Bazargan (Gürbulak) crossing, 1,300 vehicles at the Dilucu-Sadarak (Nakhchivan) border, and 850 trucks at the Esendere-Sero border are currently waiting to enter Turkish territory [1][3]. This volume of traffic has created kilometer-long queues and multi-day stops for drivers.

Driver Challenges and Impact on the Supply Chain Rising summer temperatures have made working and living conditions extremely difficult for drivers waiting in border queues for days. UND emphasized that these delays not only jeopardize driver welfare but also disrupt foreign trade operations and increase logistical costs [2]. Despite recent modernizations of Turkey's customs infrastructure, the high volume of trade in June 2026 exceeded the current processing capacity on the opposite side [4].

UND Actions and Diplomatic Consultations The International Transporters Association announced that to resolve this deadlock, it has established continuous contact with Turkish government agencies, Iranian customs officials, and local border management. The main goal of these consultations is to increase daily processing capacity at the terminals [1].

Transportation experts believe that for a sustainable solution to this problem, daily processing capacity at Gürbulak should increase to 400-500 units, at Dilucu to 300-400 units, and at Esendere to at least 250 trucks [3]. UND has committed to continuing field monitoring and administrative follow-ups until the situation normalizes and waiting times decrease, ensuring the continuity of trade flow in this strategic corridor [2][4].