Xi'an unveils new train station to strengthen northwestern China's transportation network

Xi'an, capital of China's Shaanxi Province, unveiled a key new train station on Monday, marking a milestone in strengthening the country's transportation network in the northwest region.

The Xi'andong Railway Station covers 100,000 square meters and is designed as a comprehensive transportation hub integrating high-speed and conventional railways, metro, and buses.

"The station will open and operate simultaneously with Metro Line 5 in Xi'an. Passengers can reach the metro station on foot within just 5 minutes via dedicated passages without making a detour. It will also be connected to Metro Lines 12, 15 and 21 in the future," said Yang Yongxing, assistant engineer at the Xi'andong Railway Station.

Once operational, the station will connect multiple major railway lines in northwest China and become a key part of China's high-speed rail network.

Xi'an unveils new train station to strengthen northwestern China's transportation network

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to the pre-war conditions, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported

Iran has the right to exercise sovereignty over the strategic waterway, and of course the country will charge ships for services, the speaker said.

On Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said that the country would charge maritime service fees, rather than levy tolls, on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz under a framework agreement with the United States, according to media reports.

Three Iranian tankers carrying 5 million barrels of oil have sailed through the strait, according to Iran's state-run TV and other media outlets on Wednesday.

Strait of Hormuz not to return to pre-war conditions: Iranian parliament speaker