Iran is alarmed by the strengthening Israel-Azerbaijan ties, viewing it as a strategic partnership that could diminish its regional influence. Iran Daily highlights concerns over US involvement and potential strategies to enhance Israel’s presence in the Caucasus. Tehran aims to respond by reinforcing its relationships with Armenia and reassessing national security policies.
Iran is actively observing the increasing collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan, which it perceives as a significant strategic partnership. The official publication, Iran Daily, recently released an article titled “Israel’s Growing Footprint in Azerbaijan Raises Red Alert,” urging governmental and security institutions to monitor developments in the Caucasus region closely.
Tehran’s primary concern revolves around the deepening ties between Azerbaijan, Israel, and the US. This alliance is believed to enhance Israel’s influence in the Caucasus, potentially undermining Iran’s own regional authority. The Iran Daily referenced reports from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA), which described Azerbaijan as essential to Israel’s security framework, highlighting decades of shared intelligence and energy cooperation.
The BESA report also posits that the US might encourage Azerbaijan to aid in the reconstruction of Gaza by providing energy resources, contingent on the participation of other Muslim nations. Tehran views this as a strategy to extend the Abraham Accords and diminish Iran’s sway within the Arab world.
Iran is apprehensive that the US may reconsider sanctions imposed on Azerbaijan (under Section 907, established due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict), potentially facilitating increased military support to Baku and enhancing its ties with Israel.
Iran Daily stresses the necessity for Iranian officials engaged in national security and foreign policy to scrutinize the BESA recommendations, describing the center as a leading security think tank. The article advocates for strengthening ties with Armenia as a countermeasure against Israeli and US influence in the Caucasus.
In response to what it perceives as an emergent regional coalition, Iranian officials are signaling their intent to develop strategies through diplomatic, military, and economic avenues.
In conclusion, Iran is increasingly concerned about the growing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, viewing this as a potential threat to its regional authority. The reported collaboration between these countries and the US raises alarms for Tehran, particularly regarding military support and strategic influence. Iran advocates for reinforced alliances as a measure to counterbalance this perceived encroachment.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
