Iran Moves to Cement Rail Ties with Iraq
In a press briefing, Ambassador Al Sadegh emphasized that Minister Sadegh’s visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in transportation infrastructure, spanning land, air, and maritime sectors.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al Sadegh, disclosed on Monday, key details of the official visit by Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, highlighting a focused push to advance strategic transport projects between the two countries — with the Shalamcheh–Basra railway at the forefront.
In a press briefing, Ambassador Al Sadegh emphasized that Minister Sadegh’s visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in transportation infrastructure, spanning land, air, and maritime sectors.
The Iranian minister held meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as well as the Ministers of Transport and Interior, to explore enhanced logistical integration and regional connectivity.
A central point of the discussions was the Shalamcheh–Basra railway project — a long-anticipated cross-border rail link with economic and strategic significance. Ambassador Al Sadegh stated that both sides reviewed the progress of the project and underscored the need to accelerate its implementation.
“The Iranian delegation emphasized the importance of connecting northern, southern, and eastern corridors to the western axis,” Al Sadegh said, noting that the railway infrastructure is envisioned as a vital node in linking the broader region.
In addition to Shalamcheh–Basra, the delegation also pushed for progress on the Khusrawi–Munzariyah–Khanaqin–Baghdad railway route. According to Al Sadegh, the Iraqi side welcomed the proposals and agreed to form joint committees to ensure follow-up and continuity on these key infrastructure tracks.
“A decision has been made to form special committees to follow up on these matters,” he confirmed.
To demonstrate Iran’s commitment to the project, Minister Farzaneh Sadegh is scheduled to conduct a field inspection of the Shalamcheh–Basra railway line later on Monday. The site visit aims to assess the project’s current status and address any obstacles to timely completion.
The Shalamcheh–Basra railway is considered a cornerstone of Iran-Iraq connectivity, designed to enhance trade flows, facilitate pilgrimages, and bolster regional integration. Once completed, the link is expected to significantly reduce transit times and operational costs for both nations.
