Russia Halts Grain Supplies To Iran

• 3.03.2026, 18:22

Because of the increase in freight rates.

Grain shipments from Russia to Iran have been temporarily suspended, although Russian companies are trying to fulfill contracts signed earlier, reports The Times of Israel.

U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran this weekend provoked a series of retaliatory strikes, some of which hit Persian Gulf countries. The fighting led to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, which primarily affected oil and gas export flows.

Shipments of Russian grain through the Black Sea, including to Middle Eastern countries, continue. But the Iranian crisis has led to an expected increase in freight rates and insurance premiums, as well as payment problems involving Gulf banks.

Iran has become the third largest importer of Russian wheat this season. Russia is one of the key suppliers of barley and a major supplier of corn to the Islamic Republic.

"There is a need for supplies, but for now they have been suspended. Although I think they will be resumed at the earliest opportunity for both the forage and food groups. Iran has a bad harvest and difficult, dry weather," said one of the sources.