Iran and Turkey to Begin Negotiations for a Joint Free Zone

Iran and Turkey to Begin Negotiations for a Joint Free Zone

The Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme Council of Free and Special Economic Zones announced the issuance and communication of a Cabinet resolution for the start of negotiations regarding the establishment of a joint free zone between Iran and Turkey.

In its meeting on January 14, 2026, the Iranian Cabinet authorized the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme Council of Free Zones to commence negotiations concerning the draft agreement for the establishment of a joint free zone with Turkey. This resolution was communicated on January 19 by the First Vice President of Iran.

Based on this authorization, the Secretariat is obligated, in coordination and with the presence of representatives from the Legal Deputy of the President of Iran for International Agreements and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, to only advance the negotiation process on the draft agreement up to the stage of preparation for final approval.

The objectives of this agreement are stated to be the development of economic cooperation, increasing trade exchanges, facilitating the transit of goods and passengers, creating job opportunities, and revitalizing the border regions of the two countries.