Tehran–Mashhad Train Suspension Follows Track Damage

The Tehran–Mashhad train suspension began on Thursday after a section of the route in northern Iran was damaged. Repair crews are working at the site, while road transport is being arranged for travelers unable to continue their journeys by train.

Iran’s state-owned railway company announced the suspension after the line was reportedly struck earlier that morning. Iranian state television IRIB carried the announcement.

Technical and operational personnel have been sent to the damaged section, where railway reconstruction work is in progress as teams seek to reopen the route as soon as possible.

Passengers affected by the interruption are due to be transferred by road to Mashhad in northeastern Iran. Iranian media also reported that some stranded travelers had complained about the disruption.

Aq Tekeh Khan Railroad Bridge Reportedly Struck

Reports from Iran identified the damaged structure as the Aq Tekeh Khan railroad bridge in Golestan province. The bridge was reportedly hit by a projectile.

A U.S. official stated that the U.S. military ⁠targeted two railway bridges in northern Iran with cruise missiles during Wednesday’s strikes. This account could not be independently confirmed.

If confirmed, ⁠the incident would be the first reported U.S. strike on Iranian transportation infrastructure since the April 8 ceasefire took effect.

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Tehran–Mashhad Route Serves Passengers and Freight

The Tehran–Mashhad railway is one of Iran’s most important passenger routes. It connects the capital with the country’s second-largest city, which is also a major religious center and pilgrimage destination.

The disruption comes as international news organizations report on funeral processions for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Beyond passenger traffic, the line also carries freight and is described as ⁠part of an overland corridor extending toward Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, with onward connections to China.

This connection has become more important amid regional tensions and pressure affecting Iran’s maritime routes.

Repairs During the Tehran–Mashhad Train Suspension

Railway officials said work to restore the affected infrastructure is continuing, with the aim of resuming passenger services as soon as possible.

Until rail operations restart, passenger transport by road is being organized for people whose journeys to Mashhad were interrupted.

The incident occurred during a renewed escalation across the region. International media reported on Thursday that the United States had attacked targets in Iran, including in the Bushehr area. Iranian retaliatory strikes against U.S. targets in the Gulf region were also reported.