Eurasian outreach to bypass US naval blockade, opportunities & constraints
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
The US naval blockade of Iran’s southern ports has undoubtedly placed constraints on the country’s trade and heightened the strategic importance of cooperation with northern countries and Eurasian partners. In an interview with Iran Daily, Jahangir Karami, an expert on Eurasian affairs, said the current crisis could strengthen regional cooperation, provided that Iran makes use of its shipping and transport capacities in the Caspian Sea, the North-South Corridor, its railway network and trade agreements to diversify its trade routes.
IRAN DAILY: Given the restrictions imposed on Iran’s southern trade routes, what role have Central Asian and Caucasus countries assumed in Iran’s political and economic calculations? Could these developments also change how these countries view cooperation with Iran?
KARAMI: Naturally, recent developments have increased the importance of Eurasian countries in Iran’s political and economic calculations. Under these circumstances, Iran has turned greater attention to its northern potential in an effort to reduce its economic vulnerability, diversify trade routes and strengthen ties with regional markets. Countries such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can help connect Iran to Eurasian trade networks through the development of railway and road links. Azerbaijan also plays an important role in the North-South Corridor, Armenia in maintaining overland connections, and Georgia in linking the region to the Black Sea and European markets.
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