TEHRAN – Mr. Shagh investigated Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords and explored its implications.
The paper argues that this development should be seen as a grave warning for Iran’s foreign policy. While the Iranian government remains focused on Middle East documents and traditional crises such as Gaza, Yemen and the JCPOA, a new power structure is quietly emerging along Iran’s northern border. The policy of “active neighborhood engagement” now needs a real redefinition. Iran must move beyond slogans and statements and begin developing clear doctrine for Central Asia, a region that is not only an arena of competition between Russia and China but also a gateway to open engagement by the United States and Israel. If Iran remains passive in this area, the formation of a new security zone stretching from the Caucasus to Central Asia, supported by political and security ties between Israel, the United States, and Turkey, may become a reality. Such a trajectory could seriously undermine Iran’s balancing strategy in the north and east and impose new security costs on Tehran. Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords is thus more than just a diplomatic headline. It signals the emergence of a new regional order, one that is developing without and potentially against Iran.
Resalat: strategic measures to strengthen border security
In a recent memo, Resalat referred to the expansion of border markets between Iran and Pakistan and emphasized that this initiative is not just an economic project. Rather, it is a strategic move to strengthen border security, curb smuggling, create local jobs and promote regional stability. When borders become platforms for legitimate economic activity, barter, and commercial exchange, the incentives for illegal activity and insecurity are greatly reduced. At a broader level, the development of border markets can strengthen people-to-people ties between two neighboring countries, promote cultural exchanges, and reduce border sensitivities. When communities on both sides of a frontier benefit from stable and legitimate trade, social cohesion is strengthened and the path to deeper security cooperation is paved. Furthermore, economic proximity to Pakistan provides Iran with an opportunity to activate its regional capabilities and diversify its economy even in the face of Western sanctions. If this effort is pursued with careful planning and sustained economic diplomacy, it could open new avenues for strengthening ties between Tehran and Islamabad across economic, security, and cultural dimensions. It is a path that ultimately serves sustainable development and regional stability.
Jawan: Iran’s geopolitical role cannot be excluded from the regional equation
Jawan interviewed Mehdi Khorsand, an expert on international and Eurasian issues, about Iran’s strategic importance. He stressed that the growing importance of transport corridors and their growing role in promoting economic cohesion and trade prosperity is prompting countries around the world to invest heavily in their development. Iran remains in the spotlight due to its unique geopolitical position both regionally and globally. Conversely, efforts to circumvent and exclude Iran from transit routes have become a strategic tool for adversaries. The enemy intends to isolate Iran internationally and apply multidimensional pressure on Iran. As a result, the “battle of the corridor” has emerged as a new front in geopolitical conflict. If Iran’s potential advantages are realized, neighboring countries could be able to transport goods more efficiently at lower costs and on shorter schedules. This allows Iran to evade sanctions as the economies of neighboring countries become increasingly dependent on Iran’s geopolitical infrastructure. These dependencies are a huge asset. Once Iran’s shipping routes are fully operational and the regional economy flows through Iranian territory, new sanctions are likely to provoke a backlash from neighboring countries.
Khorasan: Soft power opportunities for Sudan and Iran
Mr. Khorasan analyzed the strategic link between Iran and Sudan and identified two important aspects. First, let’s talk about the geography of the Red Sea. Second is Sudan’s role in regional politics. The country sits at the crossroads of competing interests of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and others, particularly in its ports, desert borders and arms market. A rash move could inadvertently draw Iran into a complex and irreversible conflict. In such a volatile environment, Iran’s optimal strategy is to expand its influence through low-cost routes, guided by pragmatic logic. By supporting a temporary ceasefire, establishing humanitarian and relief corridors, and playing a facilitative role, Tehran can effectively engage and gain legitimacy in Sudan’s evolving situation. This approach also increases the feasibility of pursuing Iran’s political and economic interests within the country. Amid famine and institutional collapse, it is Iran’s role as a problem solver that will engrave its legitimate presence in Sudan’s collective memory. Its role will not only strengthen Iran’s diplomatic capital, but also avoid friction with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE during this high-risk period.