Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in early December 2024, Iran has stepped up its presence in Central Asia, marking a shift in its foreign policy priorities. The loss of Syria as a critical ally in the "axis of resistance" and as a strategic land bridge in the Mediterranean has compelled Iran to refocus its efforts on regions such as Central Asia, according to Eldaniz Gusseinov, a columnist for Daryo and a Non-Resident Research Fellow at the Haydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian embarked on a state visit to Dushanbe on January 16, 2025. During the visit, 23 cooperation agreements were signed across various fields, with a total value exceeding $450mn. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon highlighted significant joint projects, including the Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power station and the Istiklol tunnel, which have strengthened ties between the two nations.
On January 17, Pezeshkian continued his diplomatic efforts with a visit to Russia, where he signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A key aspect of the treaty, outlined in Article 12, calls for both nations to work towards maintaining peace and security in Central Asia, the Caspian region, Transcaucasia, and the Middle East. The agreement further emphasizes cooperation to prevent destabilization caused by external interference in these regions.
In late January, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref engaged in talks with Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev during the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Almaty. Discussions focused on strengthening trade, attracting investments, and improving transport logistics, further cementing Iran's strategic interest in Central Asia.
Iran's diplomatic focus also extended to Kazakhstan, where Trade Minister Arman Shakkaliyev met with Iran's Deputy Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade, Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnawi, on February 1, 2025. The two sides explored opportunities to boost trade and enhance economic cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan.
Iran’s Strategic Goals in Central Asia
Iran’s growing engagement in Central Asia is driven by a clear geoeconomic strategy—establishing itself as a vital transit hub for landlocked Central Asian nations. This effort is centered around offering access to international markets via Iran’s key ports, including Chabahar and Bandar Abbas. The aim is to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions by positioning Iran as a crucial transportation link in Eurasia.
Among the key infrastructure projects driving Iran's regional ambitions are:
- Khaf-Herat Railway: Set to be operational in 2025, this rail corridor will connect Iran with Central Asian countries through Afghanistan, potentially linking with China. This railway is seen as a vital component in boosting Iran's role as a trade hub.
- "Five Nations" Railway Project: This ambitious plan seeks to establish a railway corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, further enhancing regional connectivity.
Iran is mindful of the interests of Russia and China in Central Asia. The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia outlines a commitment to preventing third-party interference in the region. Additionally, there are discussions about extending the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to Iran’s borders, which would create a more integrated transit network linking the region to broader international markets.
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