In turnaround, Iran eyes economic opportunity in African ties

Al-Monitor Pro Members

Dr. Bijan Khajehpour

Managing Partner, Eurasian Nexus Partners, Vienna, Austria

Aug. 2, 2023

Tehran is diversifying its international ties and learning to secure small benefits from relationships instead of looking for big benefits from world powers. This was most recently illustrated by President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Africa in mid-July, a move the government termed as a "new beginning" in relations with the continent. Iran has never had a clear strategy on relations with Africa. Despite geographical and religious affinities, the continent was mainly neglected in Iran’s foreign policy, which was usually focused on relations with great powers. A proactive development of relations with selected African countries will present Tehran with opportunities to contain the impact of international sanctions and create economic and trading prospects. Tehran’s approach will be opportunistic and not strategic.