Dr. Malektaj Khosravi

1. In The Name Of
God,

2. The foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran toward Central
Asia
and how it is influenced by
confrontations with the United States of America
Dr. Malektaj Khosravi
Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran,Iran.
Hamid Gudarzi
M.A of political science, faculty of political science, Islamic Azad University, Central
Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran.

3.  Central Asia holds a notable position in Islamic
Republic of Iran foreign policy. After the fall of the
Soviet Union and five independent political entities
replacing one, numerous opportunities have been
presented as well as threats, understanding of which
would help elect an efficient policy compatible with
the circumstances, so as to share in political, economic
and cultural capacities of Central Asia and greater than
several other powers in play.
Abstract

4. This research aims to clarify how the relation between
Iran and Central Asia has been affected. To do so, other
objectives such as understanding the region;
recognizing political, economic and military goals
pursued by The U.S and other powers; as well as
potential opportunities and threats Iran might
encounter have been analyzed via analytic-descriptive
method
Purpose and Method

5. Central Asia (Latin: Transoxina), is known to Iran and ite Arab
neighbors as “beyond the river”, has always been of importance,
courtesy of the Silk Road, yet unnoticed up until circa 1990 being
.dominated former Soviet Union.
The emergence of few independent countries and their challenges
called for international attention, causing frictions and
confrontations between other parties.
Introduction

6. Regardless of the advertised motivations, foreign policy
is basically designed and implemented in order for
power to be obtained, maintained or demonstrated.
To this end, Iran must also try to benefit from relations
with Central Asia in terms of economy, politics and
culture.
A realistic approach to Iran’s foreign
policy

7.  Preventing Russian domination from recurring.
 Limiting Iran’s influence in the region.
 controlling radical anti-western Islamic tendencies.
 Dominating the consumer and capital market.
 Finding new military footholds.
The U.S interests in Central Asia

8.  Being recognized as the most economical transit rout to Central Asia
 Establishing a market for Iranian goods, namely for consumer products.
 Finding convenient sources of raw material.
 Becoming a bridge between the isolated countries of this region and global economy.
Iran’s interests in Central Asia

9. 1- The Iran and Iraq war: Although started by Sadam Hussein’s
ambitions and misunderstandings, the war progressed into a
confrontation between Iran and the superpowers.
2-The dmise of the Soviet Union: Another turning point was the
absence of The Soviet Union from the power play in Persian Gulf which
resulted in the U.S becoming the absolute power in the region
implementing its desired discipline.
3- Post 9/11: The events of 9/11 further enhanced the conflict of
logics and sense of threat between Iran and The U.S. Moreover, it
resulted in their first ever open confrontation in regions of interest
(Afghanistan & Iraq)
The formation of threat-based relations
between Iran and The U.S

10. 1-Before 9/11:
A- Period of sabotage policies (1991-1993)
B- Period of systematic harnessing (1993-1996)
C- Fluctuating policies (1996-2001)
2- After 9/11:
The country known as “rouge” and subject to harnessing
policies was branded as “axis of wickedness”
The U.S approach toward Iran in Central
Asia

11. 1- political and Security: The U.S endeavors to undermine Iran
by presenting it as an opportunist and even harmful element namely
the nuclear agenda.
2 - Economic: Notably Iran’s greatest challenge in recent years has
been hostile economic policies devised by the U.S which has affected
Iran not only in the region but also in global scales.
3- Cultural: Vast efforts that have been made too portrait an
invading and dominating picture of Iran by manipulating course
books as well as attempts to present notable Iranian figures as
nationals of neighboring countries.
The effects of confrontations with the U.S on relations
with Central Asia

12. Conclusion
The limitations created by policies implemented by the
U.S have been determined, suggesting that along with
achieving other objectives, The U.S intends to tighten
the political, economic and military siege and drive Iran
into isolation.

13. mal.khosravi_babanari.@iauctb.ac.ir
HAMID.63615@gmail.com