Tajikistan's Ambassador: Dushanbe Does Not Back Sanctions on Iran
Ambassador Nizamuddin Zahedi says sanctions harm all, violate international law, and are used as political tools; remarks mark Tajikistan's independence anniversary in Tehran
Tajikistan’s ambassador to Iran says sanctions against Iran are harmful and not in anyone’s interest, reaffirming Tehran-Dushanbe ties, rising trade, and ongoing cooperation on security and Afghanistan. He noted 18 joint commissions and high-level visits, underscoring a strategic partnership built over 35 years.
IRNA reports that Nizamuddin Zahedi, Tajikistan's ambassador to Iran, stressed his country's opposition to sanctions against Iran, saying sanctions do not benefit any country and many violate international law. He added that, unfortunately, in today’s world sanctions are often used as tools or levers to resolve political issues. The remarks came at a press briefing in Tehran marking Tajikistan’s 35th year of independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Zahedi described the Iran-Tajikistan relationship as one built over 35 years, noting that despite ups and downs the two countries have sought to deepen bilateral ties and that a strategic partnership has formed. He highlighted shared historical, linguistic and cultural values that bind the peoples of both countries and, today, place Iran and Tajikistan in a common civilizational sphere that supports mutually beneficial cooperation.
He pointed out that Imam Ali Rahman, Tajikistan’s president, has visited Iran 22 times in the last 30 years, and Iranian presidents have visited Tajikistan 16 times, illustrating the high-level political dialogue that underpins the relationship.
Zahedi identified economic ties as a key factor, noting that bilateral trade was about $55 million in 2020, declined during a period of misunderstandings, but rose to about $450 million in 2025, indicating more than fivefold growth over five years. He said the two sides aim to reach $1 billion in trade and that the conditions exist to achieve that goal.
Cultural cooperation was described as a fourth pillar of the relationship, with Zahedi underscoring shared culture, language and history that motivate expanded cultural exchanges in both directions.
On security cooperation, Zahedi said the two countries confront common threats such as terrorism, organized crime and narcotics trafficking, and they maintain extensive collaboration to counter these threats. He noted that 18 joint commissions on cooperation have been held in Tehran and Dushanbe, with the latest session taking place last month in Dushanbe.
Zahedi also addressed Afghanistan, saying Tajikistan does not shy away from economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan, including electricity exports and cross-border markets, while acknowledging some political differences with the current Afghan authorities.