Except most oil terminals, Iranian ports are generally operated by the Ports and Shipping Organization (P.S.O.), a government entity and division of Ministry of Roads and Transportation.

Iranian ports are located in two regions :

1. Caspian Sea Ports at North

The activities of  "Caspian Sea" ports are mostly concentrated in exchange of goods with Russia and C.I.S.; as well as handling of transit shipments. Other ports at the Caspian Sea mainly engaged in handling of tankers, small crafts and fishing boats.

2. Ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman

Southern Iranian Ports can accommodate all types of seaborne trade, from dry to containerized to wet cargoes.