A Survey on the Islamic Republic of Iran's Security
Approach to Central Asia
Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
Due to its particular geopolitical, economic, civilization and strategic location, Iran has always faced various threats by the superpowers. To this, Russia (former Soviet Union) as the Iran’s northern neighbor has had a special place, where one can say that changes in the relations between the two countries have had the highest impact on Iran's security considerations. The Soviet Union was regarded as a threat for Iran’s security. However, when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Iran’s perceived threat from Russia's borders moved to the mountains of the Caucasus.The collapse of Soviet Union and the independence of the Central Asian republics provided Iran with opportunities (and to some degree challenges). The main question that this paper addresses is dealing with Iran’s attitude towards security in the region? With a consideration to the political, social and security challenges. The main hypothesis of this paper is that the region republics will achieve their goals in a stable and secured situation and this will provide better condition for Iran in order to gain its national interests. In short, Iran has tried to develop economic and cultural relations (which is common in bilateral and multilateral security), with the region, and to help the republics to solve their problems and crises. In addition, Tehran has attempted to prevent regional and global powers influence in this region and tied its interests with this region's interests.
