Iran: Relations With Key Central Asian States

Publication Date: July 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Iran

Abstract:

Iran sees the Central Asian region as an arena for reducing its own isolation. Hoping to make itself an attractive economic and political partner to these states, Iran has been cautious in supporting radical Islamic opposition movements in the region. Several Central Asian states are proceeding with or contemplating energy projects that transit Iran. These projects present the Administration and Congress with the dilemma of how to keep Iran's financial resources constrained while at the same time fostering economic and political development in Central Asia. Provisions in S. 2334, covering FY1999 foreign operations appropriations (S.Rept. 105-255), as well as in S. 1344, the Silk Road Strategy Act of 1997, appear intended to reduce Central Asian incentives to cooperate with Iran. This report will be updated to reflect legislative developments.