East Strategic Studies/

During recent years, new geo-political and geo-economic trends have emerged in Central Asia. Connectivity between Central and South Asia is one of them. The geographical limitations of this landlocked region, as well as the geopolitical implications of the region's neighborhood with great powers such as China and Russia, have caused the evolution of this trend.
Currently, two key events have changed the direction and momentum of these geo-political and geo-economic trends. First, the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan and the fall of Ashraf Ghani's government, which has created a situation of uncertainty in southern borders of Central Asia; And second, the war in Ukraine, which has brought the relations between Russia and the West to the highest level of tension in recent years. Both factors have had significant outputs at the geo-political and geo-economic level. These developments have also changed the approach of some regional and international powers towards connectivity projects in Central and South Asia. Paradoxically, the U.S. has withdrawn from these projects, and Russia's attention has been drawn towards them. these developments have clearly influenced the direction and implementation of these projects, in particular, and the geo-political and geo-economic trends of connectivity between Central and South Asia, in general.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a neighbor of the Central and South Asia region, and with a unique role in the structure of international and regional developments, has also been affected by such trends. In this context, Iran should redefine its interests and the way of their realization, based on new conditions, new positions and new approaches.
 In this Special Report, the views of experts and researchers from Iran, Central Asian countries, and South Asian countries are gathered, and the latest trends in connecting Central and South Asia are evaluated. It also examines the possible scenarios for this trend, and evaluates its impact on the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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