Overview
- Protests have spread to more than 100 Iranian cities, triggering strikes, internet shutdowns and supply-chain problems.
- Officials say these disruptions are already affecting project activity at Chabahar and could delay cargo operations.
- The Chabahar–Zahedan railway, a key connector for the International North-South Transport Corridor, faces potential slippage due to labor unrest and funding uncertainty.
- India has about $500 million invested in the port, a gateway that bypasses Pakistan to reach Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.
- New Delhi is watching for strategic fallout, with concern that instability could open space for greater Chinese influence through nearby Gwadar, even as protesters are not expected to target the port.