Iran and Afghanistan open first rail link to boost trade

The 90-mile line runs from eastern Iran into western Afghanistan (Mohammad Ramezani, ISNA via AP)

The leaders of Iran and Afghanistan have inaugurated the first railway link between the two countries, expressing hope it would enhance trade links across the region.

The 90-mile line running from eastern Iran into western Afghanistan will eventually be expanded to reach the Afghan city of Herat, providing a crucial transport link for the landlocked country, where decades of war have hindered infrastructure development.