Iran is alarmed by increasing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, seeing this development as a strategic threat to its influence in the region. Iran Daily’s front-page article highlights concerns over military cooperation and potential US sanctions relief for Azerbaijan, calling for stronger ties with Armenia as a counterbalance.
Iran is closely observing the enhanced collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan, expressing alarm at what it characterizes as an increasing strategic alliance. An article published by Iran Daily, which serves as the official voice of the Iranian presidential administration, declared, “Israel’s Growing Footprint in Azerbaijan Raises Red Alert,” calling for heightened vigilance from Iranian security and governmental bodies regarding developments in the Caucasus region.
The report articulates Tehran’s primary apprehension concerning the tightening bonds among Israel, the United States, and Azerbaijan, which could potentially amplify Israel’s influence in the Caucasus and diminish Iran’s regional standing. Additionally, the article references reports from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA), which have been previously presented to the Trump administration, depicting Azerbaijan as a “pillar of Israel’s regional security” and underscoring decades of cooperation in intelligence and energy.
Moreover, the BESA report indicates that the United States may seek Azerbaijan’s involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza, particularly regarding the provision of energy resources, contingent upon the participation of other Islamic nations. Tehran perceives this as an effort to propagate the Abraham Accords, thereby undermining Iran’s authority within the Arab domain.
Further concerns voiced by Iran include the potential for the US to revoke sanctions on Azerbaijan under Section 907, which were imposed in 1992 in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Tehran fears that such a move might facilitate increased military assistance to Baku, fostering a more profound security partnership between Azerbaijan, Israel, and the United States.
Iran Daily emphasizes that all officials responsible for Iran’s national security and foreign policy should scrutinize the BESA recommendations, labeling it as insight from “one of the most important security think tanks.” The article advocates for Iran to fortify its alliance with Armenia to counterbalance the influence exercised by Israel and the United States in the Caucasus region.
Iranian officials have indicated their intention to address what they perceive as a budding regional alliance through a combination of diplomatic, military, and economic strategies.
In conclusion, Iran is increasingly concerned about the growing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, perceiving this as a threat to its regional influence. The country fears enhanced military cooperation between Azerbaijan, Israel, and the US, alongside potential US initiatives to involve Azerbaijan in Gaza’s reconstruction. Therefore, Iran aims to strengthen its alliances, particularly with Armenia, to mitigate these emerging threats.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
