# Iran transnational railway infrastructure development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-transnational-railway-infrastructure-development
> Updated: 2026-08-22T08:29:36.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Iran is advancing several transnational railway projects to enhance regional connectivity through various corridors.

In cooperation with Russia, Iran is nearing an executive agreement for the Rasht-Astara railway. This 162-kilometer stretch is a critical component of the International North-South Transport Corridor, intended to facilitate cargo transit toward Europe. Kazem Jalali, Iran's ambassador to Russia, stated that the two nations are planning a signing ceremony for the agreement to be attended by high-ranking officials. Beyond rail, the two nations are discussing energy cooperation, including Russian gas transfers and the development of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Simultaneously, Iran and Turkey have reached a milestone in their joint railway connection project through the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The project aims to connect the Iranian railway network to the Turkish system via a new border point at Çeşme-i Süreyya. The proposed 324-kilometer route will run from Khavaran through Tabriz and Merend. This project, which serves the East-West corridor, will be executed under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model. Following the formal contract, a contractor will conduct complementary studies and second-phase surveys, with construction expected to begin after an initial six-month preliminary period.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Iran and Turkey exchange agreement for new railway connection

Iran and Turkey have exchanged a memorandum of understanding to advance a 324-kilometer railway connection linking the two countries via Çeşme-i Süreyya.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-and-turkey-exchange-agreement-for-new-rail-connection

### 2026-08-21: Iran and Russia approach agreement on Rasht-Astara railway

Iran and Russia are preparing to sign an executive agreement for the Rasht-Astara railway, a key project within the North-South Transport Corridor, alongside ongoing energy and nuclear cooperation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-and-russia-approach-agreement-on-rasht-astara-railway

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Cite as: Iran transnational railway infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-transnational-railway-infrastructure-development