If Iran moved toward a pro-business administration, they argued, it would provide the shortest route to warm-water ports for Central Asian countries. But on this trip, it became very clear to me that Central Asian countries are moving away from that option. It has direct access to Central Asia while also possessing major ports at Karachi and Gwadar that connect to the sea. Iran is desperate not to lose this war, but through its own actions it is losing Central Asia. At the same time, it is not only Iran that is pushing Central Asia away.