Turning Challenges into Opportunities through the MINISTER Transport Diplomacy

In a recent statement, the senior Advisor to the Minister and Head of the International Affairs Center at the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, discussed Iran's longstanding transport relationships with Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Russia, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. He stressed how innovative strategies under the leadership of Dr. Farzaneh Sadegh, the honorable Minister of Roads and Urban Development in the 14th Iranian administration, have transformed longstanding challenges in transport relations with neighboring countries into opportunities for growth in transit and international transport.

Revitalizing Transport Relations with Turkiye

Speaking to the Ministry’s news outlet, Tarfa highlighted efforts to repair and strengthen Iran's transport ties with neighboring countries. He noted that Iran-Turkey transport relations, once fraught with significant challenges, have been revitalized through the Minister's leadership. Over three rounds of high-level meetings and negotiations between the two countries' transport ministers, substantial achievements have been made. These include resolving road transport issues, resuming operations of the Tehran-Van passenger train, and establishing a joint committee to explore rail network connectivity via the Marand–Cheshmeh Soraya–Dilijo–Kars railway link.

Economic Revival with Azerbaijan After Three Years of Stagnation

Taraffo also highlighted the revitalization of economic relations with Azerbaijan after a three-year stagnation period. Following a series of bilateral meetings and a joint economic commission in February 2025, significant progress in economic and transport ties has been achieved. He noted that this development accelerated following the Iranian President's visit to Baku in May 2025. The Minister of Roads and Urban Development continues to oversee and pursue all areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, oil and gas, banking, and transport, aiming for a notable increase in trade volume between the two nations.

Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia Transit Corridor Initiative

The Minister's proposal to establish the Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia transit corridor, presented during discussions with Azerbaijan's President, was another breakthrough. Tarfa noted that this initiative received strong support from Azerbaijani officials. As the chair of the Intergovernmental Commission on Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) in 2025, the Minister's efforts align with the shared membership of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in TRACECA.

Accelerating Shalamcheh-Basra Railway Development

Tarfa pointed to significant progress in the construction and development of the Shalamcheh-Basra railway. Despite previous setbacks, persistent efforts under the 14th administration have accelerated the project over the past seven months, with bilateral cooperation between the rail authorities of Iran and Iraq expected to yield favorable results.

Landmark Agreement with Turkmenistan: Roadmap for 20 Million Tons of Transit

The Ministry has also achieved a milestone in Iran-Turkmenistan relations. Over the past six months, three rounds of meetings have taken place between the Iranian and Turkmen transport ministers. These meetings culminated in finalizing a roadmap for the transit of 20 million tons of goods through the two countries. This agreement is set to be signed during the joint economic commission scheduled for May 17-19, 2025. Tarfa reported a sharp increase in Iran-Turkmenistan rail transport, which exceeded 5 million tons in 2024, reflecting robust growth in bilateral transport cooperation.

Strengthening Iran-Afghanistan Rail TiesTaraffo also underscored the development of Iran-Afghanistan rail cooperation under the 14th administration. Monthly, three transit trains now operate between the two countries, overcoming previous challenges in the sector.

Iran-Russia 2025 Transport Roadmap

The signing of the 2025 Iran-Russia Transport Roadmap was described as a pivotal development. This agreement opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation across various transport sectors, with a focus on infrastructure development and boosting transit volumes.

North-South Corridor Transit Goals

Taraffo concluded by outlining ambitious transit targets for the North-South Corridor. The ministry aims to facilitate the transit of 20 million tons along the eastern Caspian Sea routes and 15 million tons along the western Caspian routes. Bilateral, trilateral and multilateral meetings are ongoing to advance the corridor’s development.