Iran–Tajikistan relations

Iran-Tajikistan relations refer to the bilateral relations between Iran and Tajikistan. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the two countries have naturally enjoyed a close relationship.

Iran-Tajikistan relations

Iran	Tajikistan

Tajik Independence

Iran was the first nation to establish an embassy in Dushanbe. It was also one of the first countries to extend diplomatic recognition of the newly independent Tajikistan in 1991. Iran provided diplomatic assistance and built new mosques within Tajikistan. Due to the resurgence of Iranian culture within Tajikistan, Iran helped encourage cultural exchange through conferences, media, and film festivals. Iranian television programs, magazines, and books became increasingly common in Tajikistan.

However, despite the many things the nations have in common, there are also vast differences. Tajikistan's post communist government is secular while Iran's is Islamic. Furthermore, Iran is a predominantly Shia nation while Tajikistan is Sunni. The leading figures of the Islamic revival movement in Tajikistan have stated that Iran would not be a model for whatever Islamic government they advocate for Tajikistan.

Tajik Civil War

During the civil war in Tajikistan, Iran offered to mediate between the two factions, however, these efforts did not produce any negotiations. In 1995, Tajikistan opened its first embassy in Tehran, one of the few outside of the former USSR.^[1] Relations have since grown stronger, as the two nations cooperate in the energy sector and officials from both nations have supported stronger ties.

Post Tajik Civil War

President Ahmadinejad of Iran has commented that "Iran and Tajikistan are one spirit in two bodies". He also added that there are no limits to the expansion of relations between the two countries and that "We do not feel that we have a non-Iranian guest with us thanks to the many commonalities our two countries share".^[2]

On February 12, 2011, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi, at an event in Dushanbe celebrating the anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, stated: "Today, Tajik society is witnessing the Islamic Republic of Iran's activity and role in the growth and expansion of Tajikistan's economy." Zarifi referenced projects like the Sangtodeh-2 power plant, Anzob Tunnel and Istiklol Tunnel and as examples of Iran's role in the Tajik economy.

Decline in relations

The relation between Iran and Tajikistan started to descend after the wanted opposition leader Muhiddin Kabiri, accused in terrorism in Tajikistan, was invited to a conference in Tehran entitled “Islamic Revival” on December 27-29, 2015 and was warmly received by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tajikistan immediately issued a note of protest to Iran^[3], Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry has summoned Iran's Ambassador to Dushanbe to express "regret" against this act and the head of the Council of Ulema of Tajikistan described Iran’s invitation to Muhididn Kabiri as “abetting terrorism.^[4]”

The year 2016 was the lowest relationship point between the two countries since Tajikistan obtained independence in 1991.^[5]

Trade

As of 2011 Iran is the second largest investor in Tajikistan after China.

Energy and Infrastructural Projects

Anzob Tunnel

Sangtuda-2 Hydroelectric Power Plant

Istiklol tunnel

Shurabad Hydroelectric Power Plant

Rogun Dam

Highways

Revival of the Silk Road in the form of highways connecting China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran has been a major focus of the two governments.

Railroads

Planned system will connect Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran.^[6]

Future

Khatlon Cement Plant

In 2011 Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ali Asqar She'rdoust released Tehran's plans to construct a $500 million cement production plant in Tajikistan's Khatlon province.^[7]

Common TV channel

Common television channel to be broadcast in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan.

References