Pezeshkian's trip to Yerevan and Minsk redefines Iran's role in the new Eurasian order

Pars Today – The trip of Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Armenia and Belarus, two members of the Eurasian Economic Union, is part of Tehran's objective to develop economic, political, and cultural relations with countries in this region and the South Caucasus.

During Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Belarus on Wednesday, August 20, in the presence of the presidents of Iran and Belarus, 12 memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of politics, international law, tourism, arts, media, health, industry, environment, and investment.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, stated: "Today, the United States and some European countries seek to expand unilateralism and impose their views on other countries, an approach that has been and is intolerable for Minsk and Tehran."

Pezeshkian also noted that besides friendly bilateral relations, Iran and Belarus share similar views on many regional and international issues and have constructive cooperation in international forums. He added: "The Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS group are also frameworks and platforms to facilitate and expand the constructive interactions between Iran and Belarus."

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran also left Tehran for Yerevan on Monday, August 18, heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, at the official invitation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for a bilateral official visit.

Pezeshkian described the development and strengthening of cooperation with neighboring and like-minded countries as important objectives and priorities of the fourteenth government's foreign policy, stating: "The visit to the friendly and neighboring country of Armenia is also in line with this goal and aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries."

The Islamic Republic of Iran is an observer member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan are members of this union. Expanding Iran's cooperation with EAEU member countries can help create an independent economic pole against Western blocs and shift the regional balance of power.

The recent preferential trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union has reduced tariffs on over 500 items and increased Iran's trade volume with member countries to over $1.5 billion. Given Western sanctions against Iran, cooperation with EAEU member countries can be a way to counter financial, trade, and sanctions restrictions. The development of Iran's banking and financial relations with these countries increases transaction security and reduces dependence on Western financial systems.

Iran's active presence in this union also strengthens the country's geopolitical position in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and even Europe. Iran can act as a bridge between the Persian Gulf and Eurasia, which is crucial for energy and goods transit.

Membership in regional economic unions boosts investor confidence and paves the way for foreign capital to enter production and industrial sectors. Iran can leverage the financial capacities of member countries for the development of joint projects.

Iran and Eurasian countries have complementary capacities in energy, new technologies, and heavy industries, which can lay the groundwork for joint projects and the transfer of technical knowledge. Engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union introduces Iran as an active player in the new regional order and enhances its role in international equations.

Due to its unique geopolitical, infrastructural, and economic position, Iran can play a key role as a bridge between Eurasian countries and the Persian Gulf. This position enables Iran to connect North-South and East-West transit routes and act as a strategic passageway.

Pezeshkian's visit to Yerevan and Minsk can be seen as part of Iran's new roadmap to stabilize regional security, expand economic influence, and counter the interventionist actions of the U.S. and the West in the region. This trip sent a clear message to regional and extra-regional actors, demonstrating that Iran is redefining its role in the new Eurasian order.