Iran and the countries of Central Asia have intensified their economic dialogue in recent weeks, with particular emphasis on trade, transport, energy, and new investment opportunities. A series of meetings involving government officials and sector-specific agencies has demonstrated Tehran’s and the Central Asian countries’ interest in expanding practical economic cooperation, including increasing trade, developing logistics, and implementing joint industrial and energy projects. Against the backdrop of a changing regional environment, Iran is also placing greater emphasis on diversifying its economic ties and strengthening engagement with neighboring markets.
In August 2026, discussions on expanding cooperation were held with several Central Asian countries. Uzbekistan and Iran conducted political consultations addressing the development of trade, economic, and investment ties, as well as the expansion of transport cooperation. Kazakhstan and Iran discussed closer cooperation in logistics and regional transport routes.
Tajikistan and Iran focused on energy, rail freight, and port infrastructure, while Turkmenistan and Iran separately reviewed prospects for trade and economic cooperation. At the same time, Iran has outlined a broader vision for economic engagement across the Eurasian space. Speaking at an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Seyyed Mohammad Atabak emphasized the importance of further developing cooperation with the EAEU countries, highlighting the potential for joint projects in trade, transport, energy, industry, and the digital economy.
One of the key factors supporting this momentum has been the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, which entered into force in May 2025. The agreement eliminated tariffs on approximately 87% of goods, creating conditions for further growth in mutual trade. Atabak described the agreement as an important step in strengthening Iran’s economic relations with EAEU member states.
According to the minister, Iran’s cooperation with the EAEU should extend beyond the trade agreement to encompass joint investment, energy, transport, agriculture, the digital economy, banking, and new technologies. From March 21 through November 21, 2025, Iran’s exports to EAEU countries reached $1.46 billion, representing a 10% increase. In the previous year, exports to the bloc exceeded $2 billion.
Central Asia remains an important avenue for Iran’s efforts to expand its economic ties, while each country in the region is developing its own model of engagement with Tehran. Among these partnerships, Iran’s cooperation with Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the most dynamic. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, bilateral trade reached $305 million in the period from January through June 2026, marking a 37.5% year-on-year increase.
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