By: Iraq news

A recent International Road Transport (TIR) operation from Hungary to Jordan has highlighted Iraq's growing role as a critical transit corridor between Europe and the Middle East. The shipment, which carried film and photography equipment, completed its journey in approximately six days—slashing the typical five-week duration required by multimodal sea routes by about 80%.

According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), this successful transit underscores the efficiency, safety, and potential of the TIR system in Iraq. The country's strategic geography positions it as a natural logistical bridge connecting the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Levant. As regional integration deepens, Iraq's role as a transit gateway is becoming increasingly vital for diversifying and strengthening supply chains.

The TIR system, which allows goods to move across borders in sealed containers under a single, internationally recognized customs guarantee, became fully operational in Iraq on April 1, 2025. This milestone aligns with Iraq's broader strategic initiative, the Development Road project, which aims to create a major trade artery linking the country's southern and northern regions while connecting Asia, the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe. As digital capabilities within the TIR framework expand, the system is poised to further redefine efficient global trade routes through Iraq.