US Strike on Iranian Railway Bridge Sparks Global Trade and Crypto Fears

The US military struck a key railway bridge in northern Iran last week, causing concern for global trade and crypto markets. The Aq Tekeh Khan bridge in Golestan province is a critical chokepoint on one of the most important overland trade corridors connecting Tehran to Beijing and Moscow.

The rail corridor enables freight to move from Xi'an, China to Tehran in around 10-15 days, bypassing maritime shipping routes. This route is tied to two major trade infrastructure projects: China's Belt and Road Initiative and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC, originally conceptualized by Russia, India, and Iran in 2000, aims to facilitate goods movement between India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.

The incident marks the first time the US has targeted Iranian infrastructure since a ceasefire agreement collapsed in April 2026. Analysts are warning that this could have significant implications for global trade and oil prices, as approximately 20% of global oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily.