Iranrud

'Iran River') was a plan to build a canal from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf.

The former Soviet Union was eager to realize this project because its only warm water ports led to the Strait of Istanbul and the Dardanelles, which were under the control of Turkey, a NATO country.

There were two different proposals for the route of the canal:[1] The idea of linking the two coasts via Iranian territory was first introduced in the 19th century.

Many years later, the same plan was suggested to Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was prime minister at that time.

[2][3] In addition to reaching open waters, there were more reasons to build this canal.