In this insightful chapter, Nargiza Umarova and Farkhod Tolipov explore the evolving geopolitical role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Central Asian region. Published by Springer as part of the edited volume Emerging Partners of Central Asia: Engagement of Small and Middle Powers, the chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of Iran’s foreign policy priorities, strategic projects, and long-term interests across Central Asia.

The authors examine how geopolitical, economic, and security considerations drive Tehran’s engagement with the region’s states, emphasizing Iran’s pursuit of cooperation in energy, trade, transport, and security sectors. The authors also contextualize Iran’s actions amid growing competition from other external powers and assess how Central Asian countries perceive and respond to Iran’s initiatives. This chapter provides readers with a nuanced understanding of Iran’s regional strategy and its implications for Central Asian geopolitics and international relations.

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