Political relations between Iran and Armenia: An Azerbaijani perspective in the context of regional dynamics

Authors : Elnur Kalbizada

Pages : 1-20

View : 34 | Download : 25

Publication Date : 2025-06-23

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The bilateral relations between Armenia, which regained its independence in 1991, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, a pivotal geopolitical actor in the Middle East, have significant implications for regional and global dynamics. Situated within a critical geopolitical corridor, these relations serve as a lens through which to understand the broader strategic competition involving global powers such as the U.S.-UK coalition and the Russia-China alliance. This study examines the formation, development, and challenges of Armenian-Iranian relations. The relevance of this research stems from the evolving geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus, particularly after the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan war. Key issues include Iran\\\'s role as a regional security provider, Armenia\\\'s attempts to navigate geopolitical isolation, and the implications of these dynamics for Azerbaijan\\\'s national interests. A multidisciplinary approach is employed, integrating realism and constructivism theories to analyze the complexity of Armenian-Iranian relations. The study uses historical and comparative analysis, a review of primary and secondary sources, and qualitative methodologies to address the nuanced interplay of political, security, and economic factors. The study identifies five distinct phases of Armenian-Iranian relations from 1991 to the present, characterized by shifts in geopolitical strategies and diplomatic priorities. It highlights Iran\\\'s use of the Armenian community as a political and economic lever, Armenia\\\'s pragmatic yet occasionally hypocritical foreign policy, and the geopolitical alignment driven by security and economic considerations. The findings underscore the necessity of viewing these relations not as isolated bilateral interactions but as integral to the strategic dynamics of the South Caucasus.
Keywords : Ermenistan-İran ilişkileri, Güney Kafkasya, bölgesel güvenlik, realizm, konstrüktivizm, çok disiplinli yaklaşım

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