Dry ports function as strategic intermodal terminals connecting inland and maritime networks via road and rail, playing an increasingly vital role in facilitating international trade and regional economic development. Given Iran's strategic geographic position at the crossroads of major trade corridors, the development of dry ports presents a significant opportunity to enhance freight transport efficiency and stimulate regional economic growth. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the infrastructure indicators of Yazd Dry Port on regional economic development.

A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a comprehensive literature review, expert panel evaluation, and a survey of 96 experts and specialists in maritime transport, logistics, and economic planning. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including factor analysis (KMO = 0.77; Bartlett's test: χ² = 686.36, p < 0.001), one-sample t-tests, and the Friedman test for ranking variables. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89.

The findings revealed that all 11 identified infrastructure indicators have a positive and significant impact on regional economic development (p < 0.001). The Friedman test results ranked security (mean rank = 7.04) as the most critical factor, followed by accessibility (mean rank = 6.59) and economic and financial factors (mean rank = 6.42), while transit capacity (mean rank = 5.24) ranked lowest.

This study contributes empirical evidence on the economic impacts of dry ports in the Iranian context, addressing a gap identified in previous international research. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, transport planners, and infrastructure developers, particularly regarding investment prioritization in security, accessibility, and economic infrastructure. The results also underscore the importance of a clear executive framework and public-private partnerships to overcome government support limitations and accelerate dry port implementation in Iran.