Nournews:The ECO interior ministers’ meeting in Tehran can be seen as a symbol of Iran’s return to the hub of regional convergence. Held after a decade and a half, the meeting demonstrated that the Islamic Republic still possesses the ability to build consensus and exercise initiative in regional diplomacy. The participation of Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and the special guest representatives from Oman and Iraq reflects trust in Tehran’s capacities. In a world facing increasing multipolarity, this meeting represents a redefinition of Iran’s role in regional order. By relying on neighborhood diplomacy, Iran seeks to rebuild economic and security cooperation along a local framework, independent of Western-imposed structures.
Strategic Necessities and the Function of the Tehran Meeting
Geopolitical and security developments in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and West Asia have made ECO convergence even more imperative. The Tehran meeting was founded on the principle that cross-border trade development, combating smuggling of goods and narcotics, fighting terrorism and organized crime, and strengthening policing and cyber cooperation require coordination at the level of interior ministers. Since interior ministries play a fundamental role in national security, public order, and border management, dialogue at this level means designing a new regional security architecture. Within this framework, Iran acts not only as a host but also as a facilitator, ready to share its capacities in technology, policing, and border management with its neighbors. The meeting also provided an opportunity to resolve misunderstandings and rebuild bilateral relations among some members, paving the way for multilateral cooperation.
Countering the Western Narrative and Reframing Iran
In recent weeks, alongside the U.S. efforts to activate the “snapback” mechanism and the release of selective reports on the 12-day war, Western media attempted to portray Iran as isolated and defeated. This perception management project aimed to weaken the resilience of the Iranian nation and impose a Western-centric perspective. However, the ECO meeting in Tehran, along with the support of 120 Non-Aligned Movement countries and 20 UN Charter–supporting states, effectively responded to this perception warfare. These events demonstrated that Iran is not isolated but is an active actor in shaping a new regional order. The presence of interior ministers, whose portfolios are closely linked to domestic and regional security, signifies the neighbors’ trust in Iran’s stability and security capabilities. Holding this meeting after Iran’s recent achievements in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts further affirms that Iran occupies a central position in countering external destabilization.
Transit Opportunities and the New Regional Order
The new cooperation map within ECO could transform the region’s economic landscape through the development of transit and financial infrastructure. With fifteen neighbors and a strategic geopolitical location, Iran serves as a key corridor connecting east to west and north to south. Through ECO, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, D-8, and the Eurasian Union, Iran can activate economic structures resilient to sanctions. Iran’s rail, road, and maritime networks can reduce regional dependence on Western routes. Additionally, establishing joint banking and financial systems among member states could neutralize the impact of economic sanctions. The reality is that the world is transitioning from unipolarity to multipolarity, and Iran is one of the pillars of this emerging order. If the Tehran meeting’s resolutions are pursued cohesively, the summit could become a symbol of regional independence from dominant global structures and a model for indigenous convergence.
NOURNEWS