Iran and Afghanistan to Expand Rail-Based Transit Cooperation

Tehran – The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI) and the Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan in Tehran met to enhance cooperation in railway transport and transit development between the two countries.

Dr. Jabarali Zakeri, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and CEO of RAI, met with Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan, to discuss the progress of the Khaf–Herat railway project and ways to accelerate its completion up to Mazar-e-Sharif as a key regional corridor.

 Dr. Zakeri highlighted President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s support for expanding Iran–Afghanistan rail ties and noted that connecting Afghanistan’s network to Iran’s international corridors—linking to Chabahar Port and European routes via Iran—will enhance regional trade and give Afghanistan access to open waters.

 He added that freight volume on the Khaf–Herat line has grown from 10,000 tons per month at launch to over 60,000 tons, with plans to exceed 100,000 tons per month in the coming months.

 Haqqani thanked Iran for its continued support in constructing and operating the route and called for stronger coordination, improved cargo handling capacity at Khaf Station, and regular joint meetings between the two rail authorities.

Both sides agreed to establish a joint technical and executive committee to follow up on project implementation and strengthen long-term railway cooperation.