Iranian railway transport expert Mohammad Javad Shahjouei stated that the Shalamcheh–Basra railway project marks a strategic shift in economic relations between Iran and Iraq, serving as a platform for annual trade estimated at $20 billion.

In a statement to Mehr News Agency, Shahjouei emphasized that the significance of the railway extends beyond the two countries, connecting multiple nations in the region. He described it as pivotal in reshaping regional trade dynamics, especially within East–West and North–South corridors.

He added that China has shown interest in using this route to export goods to Europe and Africa via Iran and Iraq.

Shahjouei dismissed concerns about the project threatening Iraqi ports, stressing that cooperation between the two countries’ ports is based on integration rather than competition. He also welcomed Iraq’s accession to the International Road Transport (TIR) Convention and suggested future linkage between Iraq’s Al-Faw Port and Iranian ports.

He concluded by noting that Iran continues to pursue strategic connectivity projects with Iraq, including the Baghdad–Khanaqin–Khosravi–Tehran route, aiming to develop a comprehensive and interconnected transport network between the two nations.

On July 27, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced the imminent launch of the strategic Basra–Shalamcheh railway project, which connects Basra province to the Iranian border via a rail network.

Ministry spokesperson Maytham Al-Safi stated that the 36-kilometer project is one of the country’s most vital infrastructure initiatives, expected to transport over five million Iraqi and Iranian visitors annually, especially during major religious pilgrimages.

He added that a special committee has already begun mine clearance, removal of encroachments, and completion of administrative files in preparation for handing the project over to the implementing company. The signing with the company is expected soon, followed by the execution phase.

The Shalamcheh–Basra railway is part of a broader plan to connect the holy shrines in both countries. Baghdad previously announced that the initial goal of the railway is to transport over three million pilgrims annually to the sacred sites, with a project cost of $150 million.