Tajikistan began receiving Iranian oil and petroleum products in late August, its energy ministry said, RFE/RL reported on October 2.

Russia supplied more than 91% of Tajik petroleum imports in the first half of the year, but Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries have curbed Moscow's exports and pushed a fuel shortage across Central Asia. Dushanbe has asked Iran for up to 2.55mn tonnes a year of crude and refined products, including diesel and jet fuel, as Russia's crisis enters a third wave.

The purchases expose Tajik buyers to US sanctions. Washington launched Operation Economic Outcast on August 24 to cut Iran's remaining revenue, and US Treasury spokeswoman Gigi O'Connell said anyone operating in Iran's oil sector bears that risk themselves if they continue.

Edward Lemon, president of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, said relations between Dushanbe and Tehran are warming. Tajik political analyst Parviz Mullojonov said maintaining a diplomatic balance is "incredibly difficult" because global powers hold conflicting agendas.

Bilateral trade reached $438mn in 2025, up 28% year-on-year, and the two countries have signed more than 200 agreements and memorandums.