TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking on Monday at a ceremony marking the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development of rail transportation with the Middle East Mines and Mineral Industries Development Holding Company (MIDHCO or MIDCO), Jabarali Zakari said the expansion of rail transport would significantly reduce steel production costs while also lowering social costs such as air pollution and improving road safety.

Zakari, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, referred to MIDCO’s prominent position in Iran’s steel industry and its annual transportation of around 30 million tons of cargo. He noted that for the first time this year, exports of sponge iron to Uzbekistan were carried out via rail in coordination with the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran. In addition, arrangements have been made to facilitate the movement of Iranian rail wagons along routes passing through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

He further announced that a new gateway for exports to Afghanistan has been opened. “Since the beginning of this year, around 450,000 tons of various products have been exported or transited to Afghanistan through the Shamtiq border,” Zakari said, adding that the target for cargo transportation to Afghanistan next year exceeds 1.5 million tons.

According to Zakari, rail freight shipments to Afghanistan have reached 70,000 tons in the current month and are expected to surpass 100,000 tons next month. He explained that goods transported via rail to Afghanistan include ceramic products from Yazd, steel products from various companies, as well as petroleum products transited from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Russia. He emphasized that this new eastern export corridor could play a significant role in strengthening Iran’s export capacity.

Highlighting the economic benefits of rail transport, Zakari noted that the cost of petroleum products inside Afghanistan stands at around $1,400 per ton when transported by conventional means. “With rail transport, this figure has now dropped to $935 per ton, which clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of rail-based logistics,” he said.

Zakari also pointed to the target set under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan to increase rail’s share of cargo transportation to 30 percent. He confirmed that during the first eight months of the current year, rail freight tonnage grew by 12 percent compared to the same period last year.

In another development, Zakari announced that regulations for operating “full trains” have been drafted as part of the requirements of the Seventh Development Plan. He said the guidelines were prepared with the cooperation of the private sector and that pilot operations of full trains are expected to begin soon.

He explained that the initiative aims to reduce overall transportation costs, increase the volume of cargo handled by rail freight companies, and boost their revenues.

Zakari also revealed plans to double-track the Sangan–Bafq rail corridor through public-private partnership. He said preliminary agreements have been reached and expressed hope that a formal MoU, with private sector participation estimated at 50 to 60 percent, would be signed in the near future.

Currently, about 15 million tons of cargo are transported annually from Sangan to central Iran by rail and road. Zakari noted that this figure is projected to rise to 22 million tons under the Seventh Development Plan, making the construction of a second rail line on this route essential.

In closing, he described the rationalization of fuel pricing as a key factor in promoting rail transport development across the country.

At the same event, MIDCO CEO Alireza Ebrahimi described the company as one of Iran’s largest private-sector enterprises active in steel production. He said that over the past 17 years, MIDCO has invested approximately $7 billion in mining, steel, and copper production projects.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The revelation came on Monday after the Afghanistan Inquiry released summaries of closed hearings, in which, members of special forces have given evidence about alleged war crimes committed by their colleagues.

The document, citing the senior officer, codenamed N1466 said there was a “deliberate policy” among some members of the British special forces unit in Afghanistan to kill civilians even when they did not pose a threat.

He reportedly had warned the UKSF director in a note dated 2011, about the policy, sharing concerns from the unit’s commanding officer, but the SAS chief and others tried to suppress information about the potential war crimes by the unit, dubbed UKSF1.

N1466 alleged that “The director … made a conscious decision that he is going to suppress this, cover this up and do a little fake exercise to make it look like he’s done something.”

The whistleblower further said that told the inquiry that he had been approached by some of his men who recounted separate conversations with members of UKSF1 but the chain of command failed to stop extrajudicial shootings, including of children, allowing them to continue such killings until 2013.

The cover-up allegations are among the most severe to be raised at an ongoing inquiry that was launched in 2023 under Lord Justice Haddon-Cave.

“We could have stopped it in February 2011. Those people who died unnecessarily from that point onwards, there were two toddlers shot in their bed next to their parents … all that would not necessarily have come to pass if that had been stopped,” stated the whistleblower, seemingly referring to the night-time killing in Nimruz province back in 2012.

After leaving the unit for a period, N1466 returned in 2014 to find evidence. “It was apparent when he came back to UK special forces in 2014 that it had not stopped at all. In fact, it had carried on at least into 2013. He found that quite shocking,” according to a summary of his evidence.

He said the killings by some of the unit members were a “stain” on the reputation of the special forces and sacrifice of others.

“We didn’t join UKSF for this sort of behaviors – toddlers to get shot in their beds or random killing. It’s not special, it’s not elite, it’s not what we stand for and most of us, I don’t believe, would either wish to condone it or to cover it up,” he told the inquiry.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The gathering, held in Kabul with the participation of Iran’s ambassador, focused on three key pillars of bilateral economic relations: investment, exports, and transportation. Both sides acknowledged that despite longstanding ties, Iran and Afghanistan have yet to achieve sustained collaboration in these areas and stressed that their respective chambers of commerce must become more active in advancing economic goals.

Afghan representatives expressed concern that while companies from various countries have invested heavily in Afghanistan, Iran’s presence remains minimal—something they described as disappointing. They also pointed to significant untapped export capacities hindered by inadequate infrastructure, particularly in transportation and logistics.

Greater engagement between the private sectors of both nations—guided by the priorities of their chambers of commerce—was highlighted as essential. Officials stressed that challenges must be addressed “online and in real time,” with chambers playing a central role in removing obstacles.

Iran’s ambassador in Kabul, Alireza Bigdeli, outlined the countries’ shared cultural, historical, and religious ties, urging both sides to leverage their geographical proximity to become preferred trade and investment partners.

Niloofar Asadi, Director-General for Asia and Oceania at Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, stated that strengthening ties with Afghanistan is a top priority. She noted that the chamber is drafting a strategic roadmap to elevate the level of economic cooperation.

Other Iranian officials highlighted untapped opportunities.

Alireza Khamehzarr, head of the Birjand Chamber, called for expanding Iranian imports from Afghanistan—especially agricultural goods—while addressing legal barriers that hinder trade.

Mahmoud Siyadat, head of the Iran–Afghanistan Joint Chamber, stressed the need for result-oriented mechanisms to ensure that agreements translate into tangible outcomes.

Hamidreza Salehi, chairman of Iran’s Energy Federation, argued that insufficient infrastructure has stunted bilateral growth. He pointed to Iran’s strong LPG production capacity and Afghanistan’s high demand as an example of an opportunity requiring better planning and coordination.

Salehi and others emphasized the necessity of establishing joint investment frameworks involving private sectors from both nations.

Afghanistan’s deputy directors of commerce and investment outlined their development plans and urged well-established Iranian companies to enter the Afghan market, where numerous large-scale projects—including $10 billion in planned investment initiatives—are under preparation.

They noted that border issues are currently being reviewed by both governments and that neighboring provinces are expected to receive particular attention in resolving logistical and commercial challenges.

Karim Hashimi, president of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated that the Islamic government of Afghanistan genuinely supports private enterprise. Both ACCI and Afghanistan’s Chamber of Industries and Mines, he noted, operate actively and independently.

Hashimi emphasized that trust is essential in business partnerships. He proposed prioritizing cooperation between companies introduced through the chambers of commerce of both countries, describing such introductions as a strong guarantee for safe and reliable business engagement.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) In a Saturday night phone call between Araghchi and his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the two foreign ministers focused on the latest developments in bilateral relations and regional issues.

The Iranian minister emphasized the significance of the longstanding and friendly ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations, highlighting Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He voiced concerns regarding the current state of affairs between Afghanistan and Pakistan, underscoring the necessity for continued dialogue facilitated by influential regional countries to address differences and reduce tensions.

Dar provided an update on the latest negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Both ministers agreed on the need for ongoing consultations to foster better relations and ensure regional security.

The Iranian minister emphasized the significance of the longstanding and friendly ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations, highlighting Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He voiced concerns regarding the current state of affairs between Afghanistan and Pakistan, underscoring the necessity for continued dialogue facilitated by influential regional countries to address differences and reduce tensions.

Dar provided an update on the latest negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The Iranian minister emphasized the significance of the longstanding and friendly ties between the two neighboring Muslim nations, highlighting Iran’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He voiced concerns regarding the current state of affairs between Afghanistan and Pakistan, underscoring the necessity for continued dialogue facilitated by influential regional countries to address differences and reduce tensions.

Dar provided an update on the latest negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the joint meeting, Mohammadreza Tavakkolizadeh, President of the Mashhad Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the strategic potential of aligning the economic and political capacities of Khorasan Razavi and Herat. “This partnership offers a promising path to expanding bilateral relations,” he stated, urging all parties to capitalize on existing opportunities to build a sustainable framework for cooperation.

A major highlight of the discussions was the Khaf–Herat railway project, which officials described as a vital infrastructure link connecting Afghanistan to Europe via Iran. Tavakkolizadeh stressed that Afghanistan’s lack of access to open seas makes such projects critical for integrating the country into global trade routes. “Not only will this railway open new horizons for Afghanistan’s economy, but it will also significantly enhance trade flows between our two nations,” he said.

He also noted that with carefully planned financial and transactional mechanisms, stronger bilateral financial frameworks could be developed. Tavakkolizadeh underlined the vast economic potential that exists in both countries and hailed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Mashhad Chamber and Herat’s Chamber of Agriculture as a cornerstone for future cooperation, particularly in agriculture.

Gholamhossein Mozaffari, Governor of Khorasan Razavi, echoed the urgency of smoothing trade processes at key border points. “Delays at the Dogharoun crossing are unacceptable — even a single hour of holdup can affect the private sector,” he warned. He announced that the infrastructure is ready for 24/7 operations at the border.

Mozaffari reiterated that enhancing ties with neighboring countries is central to Iran’s foreign policy, noting that while Afghanistan already holds a special status among Iran’s 15 neighbors, the current trade volume falls short of expectations. He called for coordinated efforts to scale up economic exchanges and advocated for the creation of joint consortia and the development of a shared free trade zone spanning both sides of the border.

The governor also highlighted Afghanistan’s water resources as an advantage, proposing that Iran could source part of its agricultural needs from Afghanistan and re-export processed goods to international markets.

Nooruddin Ahmad Islamjar, the Governor of Herat, welcomed the growing economic ties and pointed to recent achievements — including an agreement to allow the daily crossing of 2,000 trucks via Dogharoun and the near-completion (85%) of the Khaf–Herat railway. However, he also raised concerns over the closure of Afghan currency exchange accounts in Iran, which he said posed a serious threat to commerce and transit operations.

Islamjar invited Iranian investors to tap into Herat’s secure and resource-rich environment, particularly in agriculture and livestock. “Our natural water reserves enable us to grow Iranian-demanded crops and raise quality livestock for export,” he said.

Mahmoud Sayadat, President of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, proposed deeper institutional cooperation. He called for a structured connection between the business organizations of Khorasan Razavi and Herat, especially in mining and agriculture — sectors ripe for bilateral investment. He also noted Afghanistan’s interim government’s openness to supporting industrial cooperation, which could lead to significant integration of Iranian expertise and investment.

Younes Qazizadeh, head of Herat’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stressed that balanced trade between the two nations is achievable, provided that relevant authorities offer consistent and practical support. He highlighted the improvements in Afghanistan’s infrastructure and the streamlining of bureaucratic procedures, which now make the country more attractive to foreign investors.

Qazizadeh emphasized the importance of the Dogharoun-Islam Qala customs hub and the Khaf–Herat railway as game-changing developments. He invited Iranian investors to participate in projects spanning agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism, and called for expanded academic and cultural partnerships to create job opportunities for Afghanistan’s youth.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Team Melli has been drawn in Group B along with Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Malaysia.

Group A consists of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Oman.

Team Melli will begin the campaign on August 29 and meet Malaysia and Tajikistan on September 1 and 4, respectively.

The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup will be the second edition of the CAFA Nations Cup, the biennial international men’s football championship of Central Asia organized by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).

The event will be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8.

Group A consists of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Oman.

Team Melli will begin the campaign on August 29 and meet Malaysia and Tajikistan on September 1 and 4, respectively.

The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup will be the second edition of the CAFA Nations Cup, the biennial international men’s football championship of Central Asia organized by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).

The event will be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8.

Group A consists of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Oman.

Team Melli will begin the campaign on August 29 and meet Malaysia and Tajikistan on September 1 and 4, respectively.

The 2025 CAFA Nations Cup will be the second edition of the CAFA Nations Cup, the biennial international men’s football championship of Central Asia organized by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).

The event will be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the National Handwoven Carpet Day conference, Mahmoud Najafi Arab said, “Over the past few decades, Iran’s economy has suffered under the pressure of sanctions, severely impacting the export of Iranian carpets.”

He continued, “Afghanistan, China, and Turkey have turned into competitors. Unfortunately, the global community has remained silent on the export sanctions against Iranian carpets, using various justifications.”

Najafi Arab highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Iranian carpet weaving, stressing that while many traditional Iranian crafts have faded due to the loss of master artisans, carpet weaving has remained resilient — a testament to its integral role in Iran’s cultural identity.

Quoting the late Iranian economist Mir Mostafa Ali-Nasab, Najafi Arab noted, “Iranian carpet weavers often work in dark, cramped basements under difficult conditions, but their dedication has brought livelihood and vibrancy to their lives.”

He emphasized that Iranian art is deeply tied to its artists, yet the carpet industry has not been allowed to mature into a robust industry. “The economic sector still fails to recognize weavers as artists — they are seen merely as laborers. This stands in contrast to countries like Japan and China, where artists are held in the highest esteem, and cultural industries have distinct and valued positions.”

Citing a scene from Ali Hatami’s film Kamal-ol-Molk, Najafi Arab said carpets are portrayed as symbolic of Iranian culture and art. “In Iran, carpets must be regarded with the respect they deserve — both as a cultural emblem and as a livelihood for their creators. Carpet exports are not just economic transactions; they represent the transmission of Iranian culture to the world.”

He called for a revival of carpet exports, noting that countries like the U.S., Japan, and the Czech Republic successfully export cultural products that convey their values to the world. “Iran’s economy has been hurt not only by sanctions but also by rising competition.”

Najafi Arab concluded by saying the National Carpet Day event is a collaborative effort between the government and economic stakeholders, aiming to showcase Iran’s rich cultural heritage to the world. “The Iranian carpet symbolizes peace, prosperity, and cultural unity. It represents Iran’s historical role in bringing together diverse peoples and religions.”

He expressed hope that Iranian carpets would soon be globally recognized, not only for their beauty but also as an enduring cultural and economic emblem — preserving their authenticity without distortion.

In the same event, Zahra Kamani, head of Iran’s National Carpet Center, said a special ceremony was held at the Iran Carpet Museum to celebrate National Handwoven Carpet Day. “This day honors a rich cultural heritage, highlighting the creativity, patience, and skill of artisans across the country,” she said.

Kamani stressed that the carpet industry is not only vital for job creation and economic development but also holds enormous potential for boosting Iran’s non-oil exports.”Afghanistan”

She noted that Iran’s Supreme Leader has repeatedly emphasized supporting domestic producers, calling traditional industries like carpet weaving a guiding light for the country’s economic development.”Afghanistan”

Kamani also spoke about the efforts of the National Carpet Center to reactivate the High Council for Strategic Carpet Planning — including representatives from both the public and private sectors — aimed at sustainable development and increasing exports.

“Preserving and passing on the cultural and artistic legacy of Iranian carpet weaving to future generations is a crucial responsibility,” she said.

Kamani praised the diversity of designs, colors, and motifs in Iranian carpets, which reflect the country’s rich artistic traditions. “Each carpet tells a story — a window into the lives of the Iranian people.”

She noted that June 10th has been designated as National Iranian Carpet Day to recognize the efforts of artisans and inspire younger generations to engage with this traditional art.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Khamehzar criticized Iran’s Plant Protection Organization (PPO) for maintaining excessively strict rules that hinder agricultural imports from Afghanistan. “Although Afghanistan is currently classified by Iran as a high-risk country, it has the potential to meet a significant portion of Iran’s agricultural needs,” he said.

He pointed out that Iran is currently facing a shortage of cotton. With traditional suppliers like Uzbekistan no longer exporting to Iran, and Turkey becoming a cotton importer itself, Afghanistan could step in to fill this gap. Khamehzar stressed that Afghanistan’s untapped land and inexpensive labor make it an ideal location for offshore farming—particularly at a time when Iran is grappling with a severe water crisis.

The border region of Farah Province in Afghanistan, adjacent to South Khorasan, is highly active in agriculture and could serve as a strategic hub for cultivating essential crops such as corn, barley, soybeans, oilseeds, and cotton for the Iranian market. “South Khorasan alone consumes 200,000 to 250,000 tons of oil annually,” Khamehzar noted, “and much of the required corn is currently imported from distant countries like Russia, Brazil, and parts of Africa.”

Khamehzar argued that easing restrictions and allowing Iranian-supervised offshore farming operations in Afghanistan could prevent significant capital outflow. He urged the Plant Protection Organization to reconsider its regulations and take into account proposals from the private sector regarding cross-border agriculture.

Interestingly, while agricultural imports face regulatory hurdles, Afghan minerals such as lead, zinc, coal, and talc are imported without issue, as they are not subject to PPO regulations. This discrepancy, Khamehzar suggested, highlights the inconsistency in Iran’s trade policy toward Afghanistan.

He also criticized the Iranian government’s recent decision not to import potatoes from Afghanistan during a domestic shortage, opting instead for imports from Pakistan. This is despite the fact that Afghan dried fruits and nuts are being exported to European markets tariff-free and Afghanistan maintains a preferential trade agreement with India. In fact, Iranian saffron often reaches Indian markets via Afghanistan.

Khamehzar concluded that increasing imports of Afghan agricultural products could help rebalance trade between the two countries. “The sharp contrast between Iran’s exports to Afghanistan and its minimal imports from the country is one of the main reasons for the decline in our trade status,” he said. “Afghans are voicing dissatisfaction over Iran’s unwillingness to purchase Afghan goods.”

He also noted that the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture plays a key role in the Joint Economic Commission between Iran and Afghanistan and should therefore lead efforts to streamline agricultural cooperation.

As trade dynamics shift and regional needs evolve, experts like Khamehzar believe that more balanced, pragmatic policies are essential to restoring Iran’s trade leadership in the region and enhancing economic ties with Afghanistan.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The first India-Afghanistan transit train reached Rozanak station in Herat. The shipment, initially transported by sea to Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, was then moved via Iran’s railway network to its final destination in Afghanistan.

This development was facilitated by the Afghanistan Railway Development Consortium, with support from Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways. Since the launch of the Khaf-Herat railway corridor earlier this year, more than 30,000 tons of export and transit goods have been transported between Iran and Afghanistan by rail. The corridor is expected to boost bilateral trade while ensuring greater security and reducing transportation costs for traders and manufacturers.

Experts predict that this successful transit will pave the way for expanded trade cooperation between India and Afghanistan through Iran. The Khaf-Herat railway, which connects Iran’s railway network to western Afghanistan, plays a crucial role in regional connectivity. Additionally, it is a key part of the East-West railway corridor, which stretches over 2,000 kilometers, linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Europe. This railway is expected to enhance transportation security, cut logistics costs and transit time by 10%, and increase its appeal to regional traders.

Mustafa Rezaei, CEO of the Afghanistan Railway Development Consortium, confirmed that the first Indian transit cargo entered Afghanistan through the “Shamtigh” border crossing in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province on Tuesday night. The shipment, consisting of six containers carrying almonds and oilseeds, traveled from India by sea to Bandar Abbas before being transported via Iran’s railway network through Shamtigh and ultimately arriving at Rozanak station in Herat.

Rezaei emphasized that since the Khaf-Herat railway corridor became operational, over 30,000 tons of export and transit cargo have been transported between Iran and Afghanistan by rail. The enhanced railway network is expected to improve trade security between the two countries while lowering transportation costs for businesses.

The Khaf-Herat rail corridor, which links Iran’s railway network to Herat in western Afghanistan, is a strategic route for regional connectivity. As part of the larger East-West rail corridor, it facilitates a 2,000-kilometer trade route connecting China, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Europe.

The Shamtigh border crossing, located in Khorasan Razavi’s Khaf county, was officially opened in 2020 to facilitate trade between Iran and Afghanistan. Positioned approximately 50 kilometers from Khaf city, the crossing serves as a key transit hub in the Khaf-Herat railway route.

This milestone is expected to strengthen regional trade ties and enhance economic cooperation between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that during his talks with officials in Kabul, the two sides emphasized the critical importance of joint border security.

At the end of his visit to Afghanistan, Araghchi told reporters on Sunday that he and Afghan officials had discussed strategies to address concerns and enhance border security.

The Iranian minister pointed out key issues, including water management, migration, security, borders, and trade, all of which need collaborative solutions.

He further emphasized the close relationship between Iran and Afghanistan, noting that both nations share a common religion and language.

In a meeting with the Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan, Araghchi referred to the vital role of Shia scholars in fostering cultural and religious development in the neighboring country.

He also underlined the need to promote friendship among ethnic and religious communities.

Members of the Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan expressed gratitude to Iran for hosting Afghan expatriates over the past 45 years, especially for providing educational opportunities in Iranian schools and universities.

The council members also welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, describing the development of scientific and cultural exchanges between Shia and Sunni scholars of both nations as essential for promoting Islamic unity.

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