Tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan escalate due to Azerbaijan’s growing ties with Israel, highlighted by Iran’s warnings about Israeli influence during high-level talks. Recent diplomatic confrontations include Azerbaijan’s condemnation of Iranian clerical remarks and the summoning of Iran’s chargé d’affaires. Suspicion of Iranian involvement in a foiled assassination plot and Azerbaijan’s economic dealings with Israel intensify hostilities, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage relations.
Iran and Azerbaijan are experiencing heightened tensions due to Azerbaijan’s strengthening ties with Israel. This concern was articulated during a recent high-level meeting in Tehran, where Kamal Kharrazi, the Chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council for Foreign Relations and advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, articulated Iran’s apprehensions about the expanding Israeli presence in Azerbaijan.
Kharrazi emphasized the importance of neighboring countries considering each other’s sensitivities in foreign relations during his discussion with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan for Foreign Policy Affairs. This diplomatic discord is part of an ongoing rivalry where Iran has often criticized Azerbaijan for its associations with Israel, while Azerbaijan accuses Iran of exercising undue influence and spreading hostile rhetoric through its media.
The situation escalated when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly condemned remarks from Iranian cleric Seyyed Hassan Ameli, who alleged collusion between Baku and Israel. Aliyev dismissed these accusations as unfounded and politically motivated, indicating the growing friction between the two governments.
Additionally, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires in Baku in protest of what they deemed anti-Azerbaijan propaganda emanating from Iranian media. As diplomatic exchanges become increasingly strained, a potential security crisis has also arisen, marked by the foiling of an alleged assassination attempt on a prominent Jewish community member in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani State Security Service announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of plotting the attack, with allegations of Iranian involvement suggested. Azerbaijani intelligence has linked this plot to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known for previous attacks on various targets abroad, which heightens the current stakes in the volatile relationship.
The economic dimension of the relationship has also shifted, with Azerbaijan recently acquiring a 10% stake in Israel’s Tamar gas field. This move further solidifies their economic ties and is expected to significantly influence geopolitical dynamics in the region, escalating Iran’s apprehensions about Israel’s footprint in the South Caucasus.
Amid these growing tensions, diplomatic dialogues have not ceased, with discussions in Tehran centering on regional security and collaborations across various institutional fronts. Hajiyev’s meetings with Iranian officials included conversations on cooperation in international organizations and bilateral relations, thus highlighting an effort to navigate through the turbulent landscape.
Nonetheless, the underlying distrust between Iran and Azerbaijan is palpable, driven by mutual suspicions regarding military cooperation with Israel and allegations of Iranian-backed plots against Azerbaijan. Such factors continue to inflame the already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations.
The tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan are rooted in historical conflicts and regional politics. Azerbaijan’s growing relationship with Israel, which includes security and economic cooperation, has alarmed Iran, which views Israeli presence on its borders as a significant strategic threat. The political landscape is further complicated by ongoing accusations and counter-accusations regarding interference and propaganda, highlighting the challenging dynamics in this bilateral relationship.
In summary, the relationship between Iran and Azerbaijan remains fraught with tension due to geopolitical shifts, burgeoning ties with Israel, and mutual accusations of interference. Recent events, including security concerns and political rhetoric, have exacerbated these tensions, making diplomatic resolution increasingly complex. Despite ongoing dialogues, the foundation of trust between the two countries is critically undermined by allegations of plots and military collaborations.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
