Baku, February 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Iran intends to connect its Ardabil railway line to Azerbaijan as part of a broader strategy to expand regional trade and transport connectivity, Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development Houshang Bazvand has said, according to reports.
Bazvand stated that the proposed project envisions extending the Ardabil railway toward the Mughan plain and then onward to Azerbaijan, creating a route that could further link Iran with Central Asia. He described the planned connection as one of Iran’s strategic transport objectives, expected to contribute to the expansion of trade with the South Caucasus and Russia.
The remarks come amid Iran’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rail connectivity in its northwestern regions. The Ardabil–Mianeh railway line, which connects Ardabil province to Iran’s national rail network, has recently been completed, providing a foundation for future international extensions. Iranian officials have repeatedly highlighted plans to continue the railway toward the northern border, including in the direction of Parsabad in the Mughan region, located close to Azerbaijan.
By linking Ardabil to Azerbaijan’s railway network, Iran aims to access key regional transport corridors connecting the South Caucasus with Russia and wider Eurasian markets. The proposed link would also complement existing Iran–Azerbaijan cooperation in transport and logistics, supporting Tehran’s broader ambition to position itself as a major transit hub between the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Officials believe that once implemented, the Ardabil–Azerbaijan railway connection could significantly increase freight traffic, facilitate cross-border trade, and strengthen economic ties between Iran, Azerbaijan, and neighboring regions.
