The Israeli army has warned Iranians to stay away from rail infrastructure. The warning remains active until 21:00 on 7 April. Earlier, the United States threatened (and conducted) attacks on bridges in Iran.
The warning suggests that the Iranian rail network could be a prime target for Israeli (and American) attacks today. With earlier American attacks on infrastructure, such as the now partially collapsed B1 road bridge, it is possible that there will be significant damage to the rail network.
Iran’s railways play a modest role in China-Europe rail freight traffic, serving as an alternative route to operations through Russia and along the Middle Corridor. At the same time, Iran’s railways serve as a key part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. It connects Russia to the Indian Ocean, offering quicker access to some export markets, particularly India.
International rail operations through Iran have already been disrupted due to the ongoing war, but targeted attacks on the rail network could have a more lasting impact. Following the B1 bridge strike, Israel and the United States could target the Ghotour or the Veresk rail bridges. The former links up to Türkiye, the latter is a vital part of the INSTC’s eastern branch.
The Iran war has severely disrupted international logistics, including beyond rail. Maritime shipping is hindered due to the Hormuz Strait closure. Meanwhile, air freight through the Gulf states is also disrupted.
Saudi rail is planning to help pick up some of the lost capacity. Saudi Arabia Railways will increase the rail transport of containers from its ports in the east, RailFreight.com reported last week. With the Strait of Hormuz unavailable, the Saudi railway network can become a key alternative route to keep (some) goods moving.