Ролята на Иран в Южен Кавказ – между традиционните интереси и новите реалности
Iran’s Role in the South Caucasus – Between Traditional Interests and New Realities

Author(s): Ralitsa Vassileva
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Iran; Caucasus; Azerbaijan; Nagorno – Karabakh; Armenia; Georgia
Summary/Abstract: The paper examines Iran's policy over the years towards the South Caucasus region, focusing on Tehran's relations with each of the three countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. The Iranian approach during the recent military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh is analysed, as well as Turkey's role in the region and the conflict of interests between these two countries in the context of recent events. Furthermore, the author goes into detail on the support for Armenia and the threats to Iran's national security stemming from various factors, including the country's Azerbaijani minority, as well as deepening Azerbaijani-Israeli security ties and recent military exercises near the Azerbaijani-Iranian border a year after the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The article finds common ground between Tehran and Tblisi, despite the differences in the two countries' foreign policy orientations. In conclusion, it is pointed that Iran adheres to a balanced approach of minimal interference in the domestic political life of the countries in the South Caucasus region, and its efforts are focused on an active strategic partnership to counter Euro-Atlantic influence.

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