Afghanistan and Iran synchronize transport diplomacy: Implications for Central Asia
Iran is strengthening the Afghan dimension of its transport diplomacy while developing partnerships with Central Asian states, and Afghanistan is actively involved in expanding Eurasian overland routes. In June 2026, an Afghan delegation led by Deputy Minister for Railways Mawlavi Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada visited Iran to discuss transport logistics infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway. From March 2025 to March 2026, over 640,000 tons of cargo were transported via the Khaf-Herat railway, compared with fewer than 15,000 tons during the previous period.
Why it matters: This matters for geoeconomics because the expansion of Afghan-Iranian rail links and Central Asian transit routes alters overland trade connectivity and reduces reliance on maritime chokepoints.