Iran sets joint transit tariffs with six states to boost China-Europe rail freight
Iran’s railway authority said joint transit tariffs have been set with six countries along the China-Turkey route to activate the southern corridor of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to increase freight traffic between China and Europe.
CEO of Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAJA) Jabbar Ali Zakeri said 30 transit trains have already been coordinated under the new framework, with the number expected to reach 300 by the end of this year (March 20, 2026). He added that 350 million tons of cargo were transported between China and Europe.
He said that, in order to make use of Iran’s position as a crossroads of north-south and east-west trade, and given regional developments and maritime insecurity stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war, broad agreements were concluded with Central Asian and Caucasus countries as well as China.
Marking Government Week, Zakeri outlined RAJA’s one-year performance, citing a surge in investment, infrastructure development, improved fleet efficiency, progress in rail diplomacy, and the implementation of major projects including international corridors and suburban transport systems.