Turkiye and Erdogan exacerbating conflict in South Caucasus 

ArmInfo.  The importance of the Armenian-Iranian relations formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union has always been emphasized by both Tehran and Yerevan, and their development has always been discussed. This was stated in an interview with Region Monitor by Iranian professor, international  affairs analyst, adviser to the Supreme Spiritual Leader of Iran  Saadallah Zarei

At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the development  of relations between Iran and Armenia has not been without  consequences for the Islamic Republic, taking into account the  painful attitude of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani Shiites. "We paid our  price for this. Our relations with Armenia caused a negative reaction  in Azerbaijan towards Iran, but we maintained and continued these  relations. Therefore, we can say that the horizon for the development  of these relations is open.

However, there are opponents to this, including Western countries,  which initially do not want Iran to develop relations with the  countries of the region. Today, we know that pressure is being  exerted on Armenia, and we hope that the Armenian government of  Armenia will resist this pressure, since this pressure is also  contrary to the national interests of Armenia. The broader Armenia's  ties in this region are, the more opportunities it will have for  development. At the same time, vulnerability will also decrease,"  Zarei noted.

At the same time, he expressed the conviction that Western countries,  by creating contradictions in the region, are trying to hinder the  development of relations between countries, especially Iran's  relations with the countries of the region.

Touching upon the possibility of Azerbaijan seizing Armenian  territories by force, the adviser to the Supreme Leader of the IRI  stated that the last 10 years in Tehran have witnessed one absurd  idea that it is supposedly possible to improve relations in the  Caucasus without Iran, that is, excluding Iran's participation.

"However, in fact, over these years, neither side has been able to  establish normal relations without Iran.  Iran did not interfere in  the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We were not supporters of the  war, unlike some countries in the region, but they could not ignore  Iran's position. In other words, we have no concerns about  maintaining our position. Although external intervention can create  problems, it cannot significantly change the situation, since we are  sensitive to this region," the expert expressed his conviction.

Zarei drew attention to the fact that the culture of this region is  connected with Iranian culture, security with the security of the  IRI, economy with the economy of the IRI, transit routes with Iranian  interests.

"This territory is a link between Iran and Russia, as well as Iran  and Europe. Therefore, these relations must be preserved, and we  believe that they will be preserved. Azerbaijan, in my opinion,  realizes that neither America nor Israel are its neighbors. The only  large neighbor is the Islamic Republic of Iran. This cannot be  changed. This is reality. Therefore, we do not take seriously the  rumors that Israel or the United States want to do something similar  here. Ultimately, the fate of the region is determined by the  regional processes themselves, and not by the policies that are  determined on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.  An example of  this is the failure of the "deal of the century" or the inability of  the Abraham Accords to change the realities of the region. Reality is  changed by resistance, not by plans written on paper. This region  belongs to neither the United States nor Israel. For us, the peoples  of the region, this is a common geography, and it is on the basis of  our close relations that a security system, a political and economic  system can be formed here," the expert stated.

Asked to express his attitude towards Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace"  initiative, Zarei noted that the proposal of Armenian Prime Minister  Nikol Pashinyan can be assessed in the context of establishing a  common corridor between the countries of the region. "In our opinion,  it can resolve numerous problems and tensions arising between the two  countries. That is, all the demands of Azerbaijan, all the demands of  Armenia, Georgia, ours, Russia, even the demands of Turkey and Europe  can be resolved within the framework of this extensive corridor  without causing tension. In my opinion, Mr. Pashinyan's proposal is  quite worthy of consideration," the adviser to the Supreme Leader of  the IRI said.

Speaking about Iran's position on the growing influence of external  players in the South Caucasus, especially Turkey and Russia, Zarei  noted that Tehran believes that Turkey is one of the countries in the  region that has its own interests, connections and rights.

"This is acceptable. Turkey is allowed to play an active role in the  Caucasus, as is Russia. The same can be said about other countries,  including Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. However, Turkey and  Mr.  Erdogan personally are currently escalating the conflict in the  South Caucasus. This is illogical. This is not about Turkey's  national interests or security, but about the ideology of chaos that  is spreading in the Caucasus. And this ideology ultimately harms  Turkey itself, since Turkey cannot advance its policies in the  conditions of the conflict. This is also harmful to other countries  in the region. This is not something that can be ignored," Zarei  believes.

Referring to Azerbaijani-Iranian relations, the expert noted that  this region separated from Iran only about 200 years ago, adding that  Iran has never made any claims against Azerbaijan, Armenia or Georgia  over the past 35 years, even regarding a village or a river.

"You also know what Turkey is doing: it is seizing territories in  Syria, it has seized Bashiqa in Iraq and is trying to expand its  positions, but Iran has never made any demands not only on this  territory but also on Bahrain, which separated from Iran 50 years  ago. In other words, our position is clear. We do not seek  instability or territorial expansion, we are for cooperation and  brotherhood. There are also people who do not want to see this  brotherhood, because it is an obstacle to the penetration of  foreigners. We believe that the anti-Iranian movements in the  Caucasus have external sources - American, Israeli and other. We have  no territorial, border or any other demands on Azerbaijan at all. So  why should there be instability here - this does not correspond to  our interests. Although there are people who exaggerate the realities  and convey them to the Azerbaijani society in incorrect  interpretations. However, this policy will not bring results. The  geographical realities of the region are unchanged: the proximity of  Iran and Azerbaijan, Armenia and Azerbaijan will remain unchanged.  External intervention can only cause temporary fluctuations, but will  not be able to dictate an entire regional system," Zarei concluded.