Iran Seeks Closer Ties with Post-Soviet States Amid Regional Instability
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a "CIS+1" format for enhanced cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States during a summit in Turkmenistan. He cited regional instability from wars and external pressures as reasons for increased collaboration. Russia welcomed the initiative, with Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it "very important." The proposal aims to leverage Iran's capabilities for regional transport corridors without formal CIS membership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a "CIS+1" format for cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States.
- The initiative was announced at the CIS Heads of State Council summit in Turkmenistan.
- Pezeshkian cited regional wars, crises, and external pressures as reasons for enhanced collaboration.
- Russia, through Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, welcomed the Iranian proposal.
- The proposed format aims to connect regional potentials without Iran formally joining the CIS.
- Iran has faced military attacks from the U.S. and the "Israeli regime" in the past year, according to Pezeshkian.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed establishing a new "CIS+1" format to enhance cooperation between Iran and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The initiative was announced during the CIS Heads of State Council summit currently taking place in Turkmenistan. Pezeshkian stated that the region urgently needs stability due to ongoing wars, crises, external pressures, and disruptions to economic and communication routes. He emphasized that regional collaboration is essential for success and proposed this new format as a way to connect regional potentials without Iran formally joining the CIS.
During his address, President Pezeshkian highlighted that Iran has been subjected to military attacks by the United States and the "Israeli regime" twice in the past year, impacting people globally. He asserted that security and development cannot be achieved for one part of the region while instability and economic pressure persist in another. Pezeshkian also noted that sanctions against Iran not only hinder its economic capabilities but also damage trade, energy, and regional order.
He further pointed out that Iran's capabilities could be utilized to realize Turkmenistan's proposal for a transport corridor connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe via the Caspian Sea. Russia has responded positively to Iran's proposal, with Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Iran's participation in an "CIS plus" format is welcomed and considered very important.
As of October 2026, the CIS member states include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan holds associate member status. Moldova officially notified its intention to withdraw from the CIS in April, with the process expected to conclude in the spring of 2027.