TRANSIT POTENTIAL OF IRAN AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR CENTRAL ASIA

The transit potential of Iran’s territory is very important for Central Asian countries. The confined space of Central Asia has no access to the world ocean, restricts its trade and export opportunities. Iran, being situated between three continents, has geo-strategic advantages in the Middle East and is called a “connecting bridge between East and West”. Land and air routes which pass through Iran can make Central Asia closer to the West and the countries of the Persian Gulf by a short route. The transit potential of Iran can only be used in conjunction with regional partnership, be a prerequisite for a closer interregional cooperation.