Azerbaijan's Ambitions and Armenian-Iranian Partnership: A Comprehensive Article by Russian TASS

Russian TASS has published a comprehensive article titled "Post-Karabakh Syndrome: Why the Conflict Between Tehran and Baku Will Not Be Resolved," addressing the tense relations between Iran and Azerbaijan and the implications for Iran's partnership with Armenia.

According to Armenpress, the author noted that in the 2010s, it seemed that Baku and Tehran had finally found a robust foundation for cooperation after years of mutual distrust. However, the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh altered both the balance of power in the region and Azerbaijan's stance.

The initial cause of the current escalation, as mentioned in the article, was Azerbaijan's attempts to limit ties between Iran and Armenia. The issues, however, extend beyond this matter. The article also points out that Tehran is concerned about Israel's presence in Azerbaijan.

It is emphasized that Tehran is under serious international isolation due to the policies implemented by the United States in recent years and is keen on finding ways to overcome these restrictions. In this context, Armenia is viewed as a valuable partner for Iran. "The Armenian side is a significant economic partner for Iran. By the end of 2020, trade between the two countries amounted to 400 million dollars," said the author.

The article highlights that Iran supplies Armenia with food and industrial products, as well as petroleum products and gas. It also mentions the signing of an agreement in 2018 on the establishment of a free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran and its prospects.

"Armenia remains the only EAEU member state that borders Iran. Armenia can become a transit country for exporting Iranian goods to international markets," the article states.

The author pointed out that Azerbaijan is interested in completely halting trade between Iran and Armenia, stressing that such an approach is absolutely unacceptable for Tehran, which is already in a challenging economic situation.

"It is not surprising that Baku's statements regarding its intention to have a corridor to Nakhchivan, thus controlling the Iran-Armenia border, have provoked strong protests from the Iranian side," the article mentions.

It notes that Azerbaijan's growing ambitions will continue to push its authorities to obstruct Iran's relations with Armenia. The author observed that Azerbaijani society, buoyed by recent successes, is exerting notable pressure on decision-making in Baku.

"Iran, in turn, will continue to insist that its national interests be taken into account," the author states, noting that Iran does not intend to retreat.

"A possible compromise could involve Azerbaijan's abandonment of the idea of creating a corridor to Nakhchivan. Moreover, Russia may also oppose a military solution to this issue. It is not without reason that Iran's Foreign Ministry has already called on Moscow to clarify its position on potential border changes in the region," the article concludes.

It is emphasized that in this case, the compromise must exclusively come from Azerbaijan.