In the evolving geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus, Iran continues to emphasize its commitment to regional peace, stability and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all neighbouring states. Recognizing the strategic importance of the region and its unique broad borders with the South Caucasus, Iran advocates for diplomatic dialogue and a collaborative security architecture that prevents foreign interference and maintains regional interests.
To shed more light on Iran’s attitude towards recent developments in the Caucasus region, we contacted Mohsen Paquin, an Iranian political expert and former diplomat.
The full interview is as follows:
1. Overall, how do you assess the current political security situation in the South Caucasus? What position do you see in Iran in these developments?
Following the liberation of Karabakh and his return to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus is on the path to a new security architecture characterized by the domination of the “peace discourse” in the region. In fact, it was held within the framework of the European Political Community Conference in Prague in October 2022, and after the meeting of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Nicole Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia. A statement was issued, Charles Michel, then chairman of the Council of Europe, stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan would commit to the UN Charter, reaffirming their commitment to the 1991 Almati Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to the 1991 Almati Declaration.
In the Almati Declaration, signed on December 21, 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, signatories, including Azerbaijan and Armenia, committed to recognizing and respecting the integrity of each other’s territorial entities and the inviolability of existing international boundaries. Therefore, Karabakh returned to the Republic of Azerbaijan, which accepted Armenian sovereignty on the route known as Zangazur. Thus, Azerbaijan’s territorial claims against Zangazur denied that it implied the occupation of this corridor and the possibility of Iran’s retirement of the border with Armenia.
At the current stage, negotiations between the two countries have progressed to finalize the peace agreement, and, importantly, the parties have decided to negotiate directly without mediation.
2. What do you think the Zangezur corridor means for various actors?
There is no doubt that the American intention is to weaken and quarantine Iran in the region. However, Iran shares more than 400km of borders along the South Caucasus and the Aras River. In other words, Iran has the longest border in the South Caucasus. No country controls this corridor as much as Iran, and it is not possible to take any particular initiative against Iran in this region. Once Western countries enter the region, they face serious risks and face serious vulnerability.
The United States does not directly engage with Ukraine’s Russia and will not engage in military conflicts with any country in the South Caucasus, as it used Ukraine as bait to stand up to Russia. The main goal of the US presence in the Caucasus is to isolate Russia and induce countries in the region, including Azerbaijan and Armenia. Especially at this stage, we should stand up against Russia at this stage as the relationship between Russia, Russia and Azerbaijan is cooled. Therefore, Russia will respond strongly (probably) and will not easily lose the Caucasus. Of course, Iran alone can prevent progress in the US goals if Russia does not take action.
3. What results can we expect from this visit to Tehran by the Deputy Minister of Armenia?
It is only natural that at this stage you will need to consult with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. In consultations with Armenian Deputy Minister, he welcomed the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and announced an Iranian agreement to remove blockages in communications networks, highlighting that the corridor should not lead to geopolitical changes in the region, or that Iran’s access to other communications routes should not be cut off. He also emphasized that the presence of the US in the region does not encourage Caucasus safety.
The Armenian side also committed to paying essential attention to Iran and Armenia’s peace, regional stability, and mutual benefits and benefits when Yerevan made decisions about communication routes. Armenia hopes to act wisely regarding the non-intervention of military or security forces in the implementation of the Zangazur project and be vigilant against American actions that could pursue hegemonic goals in the Caucasus region under the assertion of ensuring economic investment and peace.
4. If Azerbaijan insists on progress in the Zangazur project, which diplomatic measures or alternative actions can consider Iran?
First and foremost, we hold diplomatic consultations with regional countries, including Azerbaijan, Russia, Armenia and even Turkey, reminding us of the dangers of the US presence in the region. It also strives to avoid actions that disrupt the Caucasus’ current discourse of peace.
Interview with Mohaddeseh Pakravan