Iran and Central Asia

Abstract

Iran is one of the largest countries in South-West Asia and key Middle Eastern regional actors (players) in Central Asia (CA). According to the UNESCO definition, Iran itself, or rather its north-eastern areas are part of Central Asia. The proximity of Iran to Central Asia has significant meaning for regional geopolitics: it naturally creates a set of regional interconnections and conflicting dependencies. The common border is also a factor of all known threats and challenges today.