Iran sees cooperation with EAEU as long-term strategy for regional strength

Pars Today – The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a message to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit, described the continuation of cooperation between Iran and the member states of this union as a long-term strategy for creating a strong region.

In his message to the EAEU summit, the President emphasized that Iran’s cooperation with the union’s member countries is a long-term strategy to build a strong region through the strengthening of national sovereignties.

Iran’s message, delivered by Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, was read at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit. The meeting opened on Sunday, December 21, in St. Petersburg, with the participation of the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, representing the five member states of the union.

In his message, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, emphasized that continued cooperation between Iran and the EAEU member countries would facilitate transportation and trade, enhance energy security, advance technology, develop shared financial and banking infrastructure, and strengthen people-to-people connections.

The President of Iran emphasized that by relying on shared cultural and historical ties and benefiting from geographical proximity, the country can present a successful model of regional integration. Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran places growing importance on regional and multilateral mechanisms, striving to be an effective and reliable member and partner within regional arrangements and blocs.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an intergovernmental economic union comprising Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. Its active observer members include Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cuba. Iran joined the union as an observer member in 2024.

Iran’s collaboration with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is not only an economic choice but also a long-term geopolitical strategy. This partnership, marked by the signing of a free trade agreement, provides a platform to counter Western unilateralism and leverage shared capacities in energy, transportation, technology, and trade.

Iran’s free trade agreement with the EAEU came into effect in May 2025. The agreement has boosted trade volumes, reduced tariffs, and created unique opportunities for businesses and national economies.

Cooperation between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—is seen as an effective approach to counter Western unilateral sanctions while creating alternative channels for trade and financial exchanges.

Iran’s geopolitical position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and the Caucasus enables the development of trade corridors. The establishment of joint banking and financial infrastructure further aims to reduce reliance on the dollar and Western banking systems.

Iran’s cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) represents a multi-dimensional strategy that goes beyond economic benefits to include geopolitical and security dimensions. This partnership could serve as a successful model of regional integration and help Iran consolidate its position within a multipolar world order.

Moreover, Iran’s collaboration with the EAEU has the potential to go beyond a simple trade agreement, evolving into a powerful economic–political bloc.

With its strategic geopolitical location and abundant energy resources, Iran has the potential to become a regional hub for transit and energy supply. People-to-people connections, scientific and cultural exchanges, and geographical proximity further strengthen the foundations for sustainable regional integration.

In the long term, expanding relations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members could pave the way for the formation of a powerful economic–political bloc with independent financial infrastructure and stable regional security. By leveraging its domestic and regional capacities, Iran can advance its economic, security, and political interests simultaneously through cooperation with the EAEU.