It is indeed puzzling why Iran has intensified it’s ties with Tajikistan. Among some folks in Tajikistan there is a hope that someday Iran+Afghanistan+Tajikistan (+Samarkand and Bukhoro Regions of Uzbekistan) will form some kind of persian-speaking confederation. Something akeen to EU.

Could these relationship-building initiatives be a part of that grander scheme? All of these countries (+regions of Samarkand and Bukhoro) share deep historical and cultural roots, which could in reality serve as a good foundation for such a union.

Although there are a lot of similarities in terms of culture and language, there are a lot more gaps in mentalities between these three countries.

For one thing Tajiks (compared to Afghans and Iranians) are far more liberal and less oppressive. Plus majority of Tajiks do not see the union having anything more than a cultural/lingual link unless Afghanistan and Iran change (evolve to be more liberal).

Overall, Iran seems to be run by a bunch of clerics whose actions do not follow any logic. In light of that, it is hard to see how Tajikistan could save them from economic/political sanctions.

In any case the investments are good and I am glad someone is committed to re-build Tajikistan.