TEHRAN, October 2025 — Rail transport is poised to play a critical role in achieving the ambitious US$ 30 billion bilateral-trade target set by the presidents of Iran and Turkey.

In recent discussions between the heads of Iran’s and Turkey’s railway and transport authorities, the focus has been sharpened on strengthening rail connectivity and improving transit logistics between the two nations. A key point of concern is the movement of Turkish freight wagons through Iran particularly on routes extending towards Afghanistan and the removal of existing bottlenecks.

The railway sector is seen as a vital enabler of regional economic integration. By streamlining cross-border operations, increasing cargo capacity, and enhancing coordination of rail freight (and potentially passenger traffic), the two countries hope to unlock more efficient transit corridors across West Asia and Eurasia.

Among the highlighted measures is a commitment to direct, continuous monitoring of freight-wagon traffic, improvements in customs and border-gate procedures, and broader cooperation between the Iranian and Turkish railway systems. These steps aim to raise transparency, reliability and operational efficiency in rail transit.

Ultimately, the intensified coordination signals a broader regional strategy: to upgrade key rail-link infrastructure, facilitate more trade via rail, and position rail transport as a cornerstone of economic growth, connectivity and shared prosperity between Iran, Turkey and beyond.