BriefingMiddle East & North Africa

Facing Western Diplomatic Pressure, Iran Looks East

Facing Western Diplomatic Pressure, Iran Looks East

BANGKOK, Thailand -- When Iran looks west, it faces trade sanctions, political hostility and military threats. So now the vilified government is turning to the east, where energy-hungry Asia is embracing it as a regional partner.

Trade and investment between Iran and Asia is exploding, with Asia's booming economies keen to buy Iranian oil and natural gas, and Iran desperate for Asia's advanced technology.

"Asia needs our energy and we need their technology," said Iran's ambassador to Thailand Moshen Pakaein, from Iran's newly expanded $5 million diplomatic compound in Bangkok.

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