Iran is prepared to meet Qatar’s food shortage, as it seeks to quell fears amongst its 2.3 million residents over the blockade imposed by its Arab neighbours.

Iranian news sources reported Reza Nourani, head of the National Union of Iran’s Agricultural Products, saying yesterday:

Considering the outbreak of tension in Qatar’s relations with [other] Arab states, it is possible [for Iran] to satisfy all demands of Qatar for agricultural products.

He said arrangements have been made with local freight companies for exporting food shipments to Qatar, adding that three southern ports of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Bandar Lengeh are geared up to ship out food.

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He said negotiations are underway with Qataris and a decision for food export will be finalised by next week.

Iran is currently exporting around 50 containers of fresh fruit and vegetables to the Arabian Gulf states every day, while the new agreement would have Qatar receive a larger amount of Iranian food products, protein products and seafood, Nourani noted.