Iraq and Iran hold talks on linking railway networks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's diplomatic mission in Kermanshah said Monday that Baghdad and Tehran are holding talks on plans to connect their railway networks, with the Iranian city serving as the main junction point. Iran's IRNA news agency reported that the project envisions turning the region into a transit corridor linking Iran to Gulf, Turkish and European markets through Iraqi territory. Iraq's consul general in Kermanshah, Sa'dun al-Sa'di, said the initiative aims to expand bilateral trade volume. He acknowledged financial and regional challenges but said the project has received backing from central authorities in both Tehran and Baghdad. Al-Sa'di also said Iraq's government is considering opening a new consular office in Iran's Ilam province near the border, a step he said would facilitate economic and cultural ties. The discussions coincide with the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage to holy sites in Iraq, a period marked by heavy cross-border movement. Iranian local authorities said roughly 244,000 travelers crossed through the Mehran border crossing in the past 24 hours, accounting for about 60 percent of yearly passenger traffic between the two countries.