Tajik Ambassador: Dushanbe Does Not Back Sanctions Against Iran
Ambassador Nizamuddin Zahedi says sanctions harm no country and are often violations of international law; Tehran–Dushanbe ties are advancing toward a strategic partnership.
Tajikistan’s ambassador in Iran, Nizamuddin Zahedi, told IRNA that sanctions against Iran are not beneficial and are often violations of international law. He highlighted deep, growing Iran–Tajikistan ties, a rising trade volume (from about $55 million in 2020 to $450 million in 2025, with a goal of $1 billion), and ongoing high-level dialogue. Zahedi also discussed counterterrorism cooperation, cultural ties, and Afghanistan-related economic links, while stressing that Tajikistan does not support sanctions.
Tehran - IRNA - Tajikistan's ambassador in Iran, Nizamuddin Zahedi, reaffirmed his country's opposition to sanctions on Iran, stating that sanctions are not beneficial to any nation and that many sanctions violate international law, though in today’s world they are used as tools or levers for political aims. Speaking at a news briefing marking the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, Zahedi highlighted that independence is the greatest blessing for the Tajik people after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He described the Iran–Tajikistan relationship over the past three decades as one of steady effort to develop bilateral ties, culminating in a level of strategic partnership today. Zahedi attributed the robust ties to shared historical, linguistic, and cultural values that bind the two nations within a common civilizational space, providing a solid foundation for mutual cooperation. He pointed to ongoing high-level political dialogue as a second key factor strengthening relations, noting that in the last 30 years both countries’ leaders have visited each other frequently (Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan traveling to Iran 22 times and Iranian presidents visiting Tajikistan 16 times). The ambassador also emphasized growing commercial links, saying trade between the two countries has expanded dramatically, rising from about $55 million in 2020 to roughly $450 million in 2025, with a target of reaching $1 billion. He stressed the importance of cultural exchange, citing shared culture, language, and history as essential to bilateral development. Zahedi added that Tehran and Dushanbe cooperate to address common security challenges, including terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking, and pointed out that 18 joint commissions have been held to advance cooperation, with the most recent meeting taking place last month in Dushanbe. On Afghanistan, Zahedi said Tajikistan maintains economic and transit links with its neighbour—exporting electricity to Afghanistan and operating border markets—while using Afghan territory as a transit route to Iran, noting that there are political differences with the current Afghan leadership. He concluded by reiterating Tajikistan’s stance: the country does not support sanctions.