Azerbaijan-Turkey alliance raises Iran's concerns

Baku/ Tehran: Azerbaijan has begun moves to open a direct route from Armenia to Turkey. It has made Iran uneasy, as these efforts of Azerbaijan will open a direct trade route to Central Asian countries for Turkey. But Iran is worried that this will endanger its security. A few days ago, Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Israel. Increasing military cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan has added to Iran’s concerns. Since last month, tensions have been rising on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan. Iran’s military held military exercises in the Aras River area and near the border with Azerbaijan. The area of the Aras River is disputed between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran opened its High Commission in the southern city of Syunik, Armenia. The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan also includes the Syunik province. After this, Azerbaijan summoned the ambassador of Iran.

In 2020, Azerbaijan tried to take control of Syunik province in the conflict that flared up with Armenia. To the west of this Syunik city is Nakhchivan and to the east is Azerbaijan. After the cease-fire, Armenia allowed Azerbaijan to use the Nakhchivan route for trade. Even after that, Azerbaijan expressed its intention to take over Nakhchivan. At that time, Iran expressed concern over these threats from Azerbaijan. But Azerbaijan also warned Iran along with Armenia.

Moreover, Azerbaijan has also initiated moves to connect the Nakhchivan region with Turkey to open trade. If this route is available, it will be possible for Turkey to reach Central Asian countries, bypassing Iran directly. It is claimed that this will give Turkey commercial and economic advantages and also increase Turkey‘s strategic strength. Turkic language-speaking Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries may come closer because of this. Iran is worried that this will jeopardize its security.

Meanwhile, once the Nakhchivan Corridor opens between Turkey and Azerbaijan, the route connecting Russia and the Caucasus region may be closed to Iran. As Turkey is a NATO member country, NATO can also use this corridor for anti-Iran operations. Turkmenistan’s natural gas supply would be easy for Turkey and further European countries and this could cause a huge loss to Iran, which exports fuel.