Iran has suspended passenger train service between Tehran and Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city and one of its most important pilgrimage centers, following an attack on a railway bridge in northern Iran. Railway authorities say repair work is underway, and stranded passengers will be transported by road.
Passenger train service between Tehran and Mashhad, one of the most important rail routes in Iran, was suspended on Thursday after a section of track was damaged.
According to the Anadolu Agency, citing Iranian state television IRIB, Iran’s state-owned railway company announced the suspension of passenger services on the Tehran–Mashhad route after the line was struck earlier that morning.
Iranian railway authorities reported that technical and operational teams have been dispatched to the site, and reconstruction work is underway to reopen the affected section as quickly as possible.
Passengers stranded due to the disruption will be transported by road to Mashhad, a major city in northeastern Iran.
Railroad Bridge Hit in Northern Iran
Iranian media reported that the Aq Tekeh Khan railroad bridge in the northern province of Golestan was reportedly struck by a projectile.
A U.S. official quoted by Axios stated that the U.S. military reportedly targeted two railway bridges in northern Iran with cruise missiles as part of the strikes carried out on Wednesday. The information could not be independently verified.
The attack would be the first reported incident in which Iranian transportation infrastructure has been struck by the United States since the April 8 ceasefire took effect, according to Anadolu.
Key Route for Passengers and Trade
The Tehran–Mashhad line is of major importance to Iran, both for passenger traffic and for connections to the country’s northeast.
Mashhad is one of Iran’s most important religious centers and a major pilgrimage destination. In the current context, the disruption of traffic comes at a sensitive time, as the international press reports on the funeral processions for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to reports cited by the Jerusalem Post, the route is also significant for freight transport, as it is part of a land corridor that continues on to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, with connections to China.
This aspect has become more important in light of regional tensions and pressures on Iran’s maritime routes.
Repairs Underway
Iranian railway authorities have announced that repairs are underway and that they are working to quickly restore service.
At the same time, alternative road transport options are being arranged for affected passengers. Iranian media reported that some of the stranded travelers have complained about the situation and the interruption of their journey to Mashhad.
The incident comes amid a new regional escalation. On Thursday, international media reported on U.S. strikes against targets in Iran, including in the Bushehr area, and on Iranian retaliatory strikes against U.S. targets in the Gulf region.
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