Iran, China Hold Initial Talks on Electric Rail Link

TEHRAN (Iran News) Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, who is in China to attend the Second International China–Europe Rail Connectivity Forum, told reporters that Iran’s strategic and geopolitical position makes its participation in the event highly influential.

“With the significant volume of freight originating in China, Iran can serve as a gateway to Europe,” Sadegh said.

She confirmed that initial negotiations have begun for launching an electric train service on the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh Soriya route, a key segment that could support China–Europe rail connectivity.

The minister noted that, on the sidelines of the forum, Iran will hold several bilateral and multilateral meetings and conduct inspections of China’s rail infrastructure and capabilities. She emphasized that rail development has played a major role in economic growth for many countries and can do the same for Iran—both on the north–south and east–west transit corridors.

Sadegh added that beyond railway lines, fleet capacity is a major concern. “We face significant shortages in rolling stock, particularly locomotives, and these must be addressed,” she said.

The minister expressed hope that the visit, along with discussions on rail construction and fleet procurement, will pave the way for meaningful progress in updating and expanding Iran’s national railway network.

The Second China–Europe Rail Connectivity Summit was to be held Tuesday in the city of Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province, with participation from officials representing countries along the route, as well as rail industry companies and experts.

Sadegh is accompanied on the trip by Iran’s Deputy Minister and head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, along with two members of Parliament’s Civil Engineering Commission.

Later the minister, speaking on the sidelines of the Second International China–Europe Rail Connectivity Forum in China, said Iran’s strategic and geopolitical position ensures that the reports presented and meetings held at the forum will have meaningful impact.

“With the large volume of freight flows originating in China, Iran can act as the entry point to Europe,” she said, noting that initial discussions on launching the Sarakhs–Cheshmeh Soriya electric rail route have already taken place.

Sadegh added that several bilateral and multilateral meetings, along with visits to China’s rail infrastructure facilities, will be held during the summit. She stressed that railway development has driven economic growth in many countries, and Iran—given its transit potential on both north–south and east–west corridors—can also benefit significantly from expanding its rail network.

The minister highlighted the importance of strengthening Iran’s rail fleet. “Beyond tracks and routes, rolling stock is crucial. We have considerable shortages, especially in locomotives, and these must be addressed,” she said.

Sadegh, a member of the 14th government cabinet, expressed hope that the trip—combined with the studies and negotiations on rail construction and fleet procurement—will lead to practical steps toward developing and restructuring Iran’s national rail system.