Executive Summary
The Islamic Republic of Iran started increased its diplomatic and economic pivot towards the East, engaging intensively with Russia, China, and India during the recent SCO Summit and in the aftermath of the conflict with Israel in June 2025.
Iranian Foreign Affairs’ meetings at the SCO summit in China show Tehran wants closer ties with Eurasian countries to counter economic isolation, improve trade routes, and strengthen its global position.
Key Takeaways
- Iran’s diplomatic efforts towards Russia, China, and India intensified following the June 2025 conflict with Israel.
- Tehran is prioritising Eastern partnerships to boost trade, logistics, and infrastructure, particularly via the INSTC.
- The SCO platform is becoming a key tool for the Islamic Republic to advance its regional goals and build economic strength independent of the West.
Background Information
After the Israeli-Iranian conflict in June 2025, Tehran intensified its diplomatic engagements with Eurasian partners. During the 25th SCO Council of Foreign Ministers session in China, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held several meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and a brief exchange with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Russia and Iran mutually condemned attacks on Iranian soil and nuclear facilities during their talks, emphasising the need for multilateral discussions to reduce regional tensions. Moscow reaffirmed its support at international forums, particularly the UN Security Council.
Concurrent interactions with China showed the extent of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Beijing affirmed its support for Tehran’s sovereignty and security, while both nations examined their current economic partnerships.
Talks with India similarly focused on expanding bilateral relations and regional coordination.
These meetings confirm Tehran’s diplomacy towards Eurasian countries and align with its participation in the BRICS grouping and active involvement in the SCO.
Geopolitical Scenario
The Islamic Republic faces a strategic imperative to mitigate the consequences of the recent military conflict with Israel and its increasing isolation by Western powers.
Through the SCO, Tehran is building stronger alliances for diplomatic protection, economic partnerships, and logistical aid.
Russia and China, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and major Eurasian powers, represent strategic anchors for Iran. Both countries voiced their opposition to Israeli military action, stating their support for regional stability through collaborative dialogue. Shared antagonism toward Western sanctions and intervention fosters a climate ripe for increased cooperation with the Islamic Republic.
Talks with the Indian representatives show Tehran’s desire to attract on its side New Delhi by playing a major role in the Eurasian logistics, especially through the INSTC, which links Iranian ports to Russia and India, boosting regional trade.
The meetings Abbas Araghchi had within the framework of the SCO event highlighted Tehran’s commitment to a multipolar world order and its intent to circumvent Western pressure by embedding itself deeper within Eurasian-led organisations. They also highlight the SCO and BRICS’s importance as counterweights to Western influence in global politics and economics.
Indicators to Monitor
- Completion of the Rasht–Astara railway section of the International North–South Transport Corridor by late 2025, which would facilitate uninterrupted trade from Russia through Iran to India.
- Formalisation of new bilateral trade agreements between Iran and China or Russia, focusing on energy infrastructure, barter systems, and local currency transactions.
- Renewed or increased military cooperation and arms deals between Iran and Russia, particularly after Moscow publicly criticised Western attacks.
- Changes in oil export volumes via the Strait of Hormuz or alternative corridors, particularly if Iran uses export control as leverage or faces renewed maritime threats.
- Diplomatic engagement levels between Iran and BRICS or SCO member states, including official visits and statements.
Conclusion
To counter military aggression and international isolation, Iran’s recent diplomacy signals a strategic effort toward the East. The emphasis on expanding ties with Russia, China, and India reveals Tehran’s priorities: securing economic partnerships, protecting its sovereignty, and asserting its regional relevance.
The recent meeting between Iranian representatives and Saudi officials further underscores Tehran’s attempting to increase its diplomatic and commercial leverages regarding the countries of Eurasia, engaging with major regional and international actors.
Closely tracking how Iran implements its bilateral economic agreements, particularly those concerning infrastructure and trade, is key to evaluating its ability to acquire influence and power among Eurasian organisations and local actors and also stabilise its economy given current geopolitical challenges.
