Study On The Relationship Between Iran And Persian-speaking Countries

Due to the connection of geography,history,language and culture,Iran,Afghanistan and Tajikistan are the three countries most influenced by Persian culture.The official language status of “Persian” and its wide usage in society make Iran,Afghanistan and Tajikistan often regarded as three contemporary Persian-speaking countries.Since the end of the 1980 s,with the weakening influence of the Soviet Union,Afghanistan and Tajikistan have entered a new historical period.The period between the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1989 and the American invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was a period of rapid adjustment in the geopolitical structure of Central Asia.Afghanistan and Tajikistan during this period have one of the most important characteristics,that is,“lasting instability”.This made the regional powers have taken the opportunity to intervene in the two countries launched a fierce struggle and confrontation.As one of the most influential countries in Afghanistan and Tajikistan,Iran also played an active role in the regional game.Guided by national interests and using the bond of cultural affinity,Iran has extended its influence to Afghanistan and Tajikistan,ultimately having a key impact on the development of the situation in both countries.Iran’s special relationship with Afghanistan and Tajikistan is based on a shared Persian culture.A long history and culture,a similar “Aryan” national narrative,and a shift from Zoroastrianism to Islamic faith have created an indissoluble cultural kinship between the three countries.After 1989,Iran sought to establish new ties with Afghanistan and Tajikistan in a new era.Unexpectedly,despite the deep cultural affinity,Iran’s participation in both countries was pragmatic,always put its national interest first,played down the propaganda of revolutionary ideology and Shiite culture.After more than a decade of participation,Iran has finally established strong bilateral ties with the two countries,becoming an indispensable role in both Afghanistan and Tajikistan.However,in the 1990 s,the effective trilateral mechanism among the three Persian-Speaking countries has never been established,which is undoubtedly the result of complex internal and external factors.The difference of political development level and the fear of Persian cultural hegemony are the internal and deep factors that restrict the communication between Afghanistan and Tajikistan and Iran.However,the deep participation of the big powers in the outside world and the surrounding areas constituted a more direct constraint on the development of the relations between the three countries in the 1990 s.