Iran-Pakistan regional cooperation

In late July 2026 Iran announced the rapid completion of the Zahedan‑Mirjaveh railway upgrade and urged Pakistan to finish the standard‑gauge line to Taftan, creating a seamless passenger and freight corridor linking South Asia, Central Asia and Europe. At the same time, Tehran moved forward with a proposal for a joint free‑trade and industrial zone that would combine Iranian infrastructure, Chinese investment and technology, and Afghan mineral resources.

A week later, Iran and Pakistan highlighted a deepening diplomatic partnership, with high‑level visits by Iran’s president and Pakistan’s army chief and mutual parliamentary support. Building on the transport and trade initiatives, Iran offered to mediate talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address border disputes and cross‑border violence, positioning Islamabad as a potential regional broker. The diplomatic outreach aims to stabilise the Pakistan‑Afghanistan frontier and reinforce Iran‑Pakistan cooperation amid broader geopolitical tensions.