The United States can best navigate the post-nuclear accord era by understanding how the easing of tensions will shape Iran’s role in Asia. Opportunities may arise through recognizing that Iran’s economic needs can work within US frameworks for improving the region. Chief among these is the chance that economically integrating Iran could help stabilize violence in nearby Afghanistan. This may be achieved through acknowledging that China has already begun a similar strategy of connecting Iran with Central Asian trade networks for the same goal, as well as investigating China’s achievements and failures here. Doing so may improve Iran’s view of the United States and be an opportunity for Sino-US cooperation