Complex and often-contradictory interactions among Turkey, Russia, and Iran are shaping regional dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, Caucasus, and Central Asia, says the report issued by Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In its report Washington-based think tank focused on three pairs of bilateral relations between Russia, Iran and Turkey. The report says the current Turkish government has made improving relations with Russia a priority since it took office in 2002.

It is mentioned that Russia’s positive interests with Turkey are principally economic.

“Turkey is a major energy export market, but there have also been dramatic increases intrade, investment, and tourism. Iran is a minor trading partner and energy competitor.  Moscow’s engagement with Tehran is driven by geopolitical goals vis-а-vis the United States and a desire to temper Iranian influence over Muslim populations in Russia and neighboring countries,” the report says.

“For now, Turkish policies in the South Caucasus are probably a bigger concern for Moscow than those of Iran. Many Russian analysts talk of a North/South axis of Russia, Armenia, and Iran that is opposed to an East-West axis of Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.”

The analysts also say that Iran’s foreign policy reveals focus on advancing national goals.

“Time after time, as well, Iran’s foreign policy reveals a clear-eyed focus on advancing national goals over pan-Islamic ones, for example through sustaining closer ties with non-Muslim nations such as Armenia than with Muslim nations such as Azerbaijan or Saudi Arabia.”