Tehran seems to have managed to improve its economic relations with Syria and achieve a steady rise in Iranian exports there. It continues its efforts to tighten control over Deir ez-Zor governorate, known for its agricultural and oil wealth. Iran is thus working both the military and economic aspects to compensate for the material losses it ensured defending the Syrian regime.

Meanwhile, the Russians are trying to monopolize the bulk of investment in Syria, especially with regard to oil and gas and reconstruction, without taking into account the interests of the Iranians and the agreements signed with the Syrian side. Conflicting agreements and contracts in some sectors, mainly in the fields of oil and gas, between Iran and Russia may result in disputes in this regard.

Iran has used Syrian and Arab institutions and figures to cover its economic activity and investments in Deir ez-Zor, which are financed by international organizations defined as “humanitarian associations that help Syrians affected by the war.” Meanwhile, it signs contracts for restoring schools, roads and bridges, approved by Syrian regime officials in Deir ez-Zor.

Political analyst Hassan al-Nifi told Al-Monitor, “Iranian influence in Syria is no longer limited to military and political control. Iran has bigger ambitions and it has begun drawing up new strategies to dominate Syria’s economy, through investments in the tourism and trade sectors.”