How are Iranian lorry drivers circumventing EU sanctions, and who is helping them?

The EU’s insurance embargo on Iran has significantly complicated the visa acquisition process for Iranian truck drivers, pushing their profession to the brink of extinction. Once reliant on Germany and Italy for visas, Iranian drivers now face restrictions, with wait times exceeding three months. France has ceased issuing permits altogether. The soaring demand for third-party intermediaries has inflated costs, making obtaining visas even more challenging. Additionally, the overarching sanctions against Iranian banks have impeded the issuance of Green Card insurance, essential for cross-border transport in Europe. Despite attempts to establish private insurance avenues, Iran has made little progress. While some drivers still manage to navigate these obstacles, the majority lack valid green insurance, forcing them to rely on more costly coverage obtained through intermediaries at Bulgaria’s border. Consequently, Iranian trucks are losing ground to Turkish, Georgian, and Greek competitors, which have become preferred due to lower costs associated with obtaining green insurance. This trend threatens the livelihoods of Iranian drivers as cargo owners opt for foreign trucks for more economical transport solutions. The crisis extends beyond the EU, as even traditional partners like Russia now see a dwindling number of Iranian trucks on their roads, with drivers again dependent on intermediaries to secure necessary visas. From an expert perspective, this situation illustrates the critical interplay between international sanctions and transportation logistics. As opportunities for cross-border freight diminish for Iranian truckers, there is a pressing need for the Iranian government to foster domestic capacities in insurance and permit acquisition to counter the adverse effects of sanctions. Strengthening diplomatic ties and ensuring compliance with international insurance frameworks could also provide pathways for Iranian transporters to regain lost market share and increase operational resilience.