Iran is alarmed by the growing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, perceiving them as a threat to its regional influence. An article in Iran Daily calls for heightened vigilance among Iranian officials and suggests strengthening alliances in Armenia to counterbalance this emerging partnership. Concerns also extend to potential US involvement in the region, particularly regarding military aid and energy resources.
Iran is closely observing the strengthening relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan, raising alarms about the implications of this developing strategic partnership. In a front-page article titled “Israel’s Growing Footprint in Azerbaijan Raises Red Alert,” Iran Daily emphasized the necessity for Iranian security and government agencies to track developments in the Caucasus region carefully.
Tehran’s primary concern revolves around the increasing strategic links between Israel, the United States, and Azerbaijan, which may enhance Israel’s foothold in the Caucasus while diminishing Iran’s regional influence. Citing reports from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA), the newspaper characterizes Azerbaijan as a foundational component of Israel’s regional security, highlighting decades of intelligence and energy collaboration.
The BESA report also posits that the United States might propose that Azerbaijan assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, particularly regarding energy resources—conditional upon participation from other Muslim nations. Iran perceives this as a maneuver to extend the Abraham Accords and weaken its influence within the Arab world.
Furthermore, Iran is apprehensive that the United States may consider lifting sanctions imposed on Azerbaijan under Section 907, initially established in 1992 due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Tehran fears such a move could facilitate increased military support for Baku and solidify security alliances with Israel and the US.
Iran Daily urges all relevant Iranian government officials to scrutinize BESA’s recommendations, describing the center as one of the key security think tanks. The article advocates that Iran should bolster its alliance with Armenia as a counterweight to the growing influence of Israel and the United States in the region.
Iranian officials have indicated intentions to address what they consider a burgeoning regional alliance through varied strategies including diplomatic, military, and economic actions.
In summary, Iran remains vigilant regarding the developing ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, expressing concerns about the consequences for its regional influence. The Iranian government advocates for strengthened surveillance of these developments, as well as an enhanced partnership with Armenia to mitigate the perceived threats posed by this evolving alliance. As diplomatic tensions rise, Iran favors a comprehensive approach to counter these strategic partnerships.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
