First China–Iran block train via Uzbekistan

13 September 2026 — UzDaily, citing Uztemiryulkonteyner, reported the first China–Iran block train via Uzbekistan: 55 wagons, route Chengxiang → Kazakhstan → Uzbekistan → Turkmenistan → Sarakhs, over 6,000 km, ETA 14–16 days. KTZ received the train at Khorgos–Altynkol; it left Altynkol on 7 September, then via Keles and Khodzhadovlet. Regular CN–Central Asia–Iran container services are planned. Not a Caspian ferry substitute — a denser southern lane that often pulls last-mile / OOG demand later.