Mohammad Shakir (Ph.D.)
International and Central Asian Affairs Researcher
Iran’s policies towards Central Asia have been shaped by its interest in the regions vast market, its joint cultural identity, and the involvement of competitors with similar strategic interests. Even though, known as Iran’s “strategic depth”, relations with the region withered post-1979 revolution. This was because of Iran’s plan on exporting its revolution and conservative culture, leading to resistance in the region. Also, Iran proved incompetent in undermining global powers in the region, which were countering the Iranian role.
