In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Mohammad Javad Shajjeuy, an expert in the Iranian railway transport sector, highlighted the strategic importance of the Sharanche Basra Railway, describing it as an important project to deepen economic and social cooperation between Iran and Iraq.
The railways don’t just connect the two countries, Shejoe said in an interview, adding, “This route plays an important role in the evolution of regional trade and international communication for the benefit of both countries.”
From an Iranian perspective, he explained that the priority of the project is passenger transport, as reflected in the agreement reached between the presidents of both countries. However, the impact has far surpassed bilateral travel. He noted that the path links multiple countries and provides a new channel to restructure regional commercial dynamics.
He said annual trade between Iran and Iraq could soon reach $20 billion, according to current estimates. Existing road and rail networks are insufficient to handle such volumes, Shahjouee stresses, highlighting the need for investment in new infrastructure as a need.
He emphasized Iran’s Islamic Republic’s policy of expanding comprehensive connectivity with neighboring countries regarding other connection projects between Iran and Iraq, adding that “Iran is pursuing the development of the north-south corridors to Russia through the seawaters of the East, West and Caspia.”
He went on to say that China intends to use the Iran-Iraq route to export goods to Europe and Africa. Therefore, the development of railway connections between China and Iran is also the basis for strengthening China’s ties with Iraq with Central Asia. New projects such as Shalamcheh-Basra, Herat-Mazar-e-Sharif Railway, and the establishment of an integrated railway network from China to Iraq via Iran have played an important role in regional trade.
HM/6601299