Iran's position on Azerbaijan–Israel ties and regional connectivity

Iran’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Mojtaba Demirchilou has outlined Tehran’s carefully calibrated positions on Azerbaijan’s relations with Israel and on major regional connectivity projects in an interview with AnewZ.

The ambassador acknowledged Azerbaijan’s sovereign right to determine its foreign partnerships, including its strategic relationship with Israel.

“Naturally, the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan allows it to establish relations with any side it chooses and this is its legitimate right,” he said.

At the same time, Demirchilou stressed that this principle is inseparable from Iran’s expectation that Azerbaijani territory will not be used in ways that could threaten Iranian security.

“As the highest officials of the Republic of Azerbaijan have stated, they will not allow their territory to be used against Iran. Naturally, we expect this to be the case,” he added.

The ambassador also expressed concern over what he described as attempts by Israeli officials to use visits to Baku as a platform for statements hostile to Iran, reflecting Tehran’s sensitivity not only to military realities but also to diplomatic signalling.

The remarks reveal Iran’s dual-track approach: formally respecting Azerbaijan’s sovereignty while drawing clear political and security red lines around Israel’s regional role.

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Economic connectivity backed, geopolitics questioned

A similar conditional logic shaped Demirchilou’s comments on regional transportation initiatives, including the TRIPP/Zangazur Corridor.

He said Iran supports projects that enhance economic cooperation, regional connectivity and development.

“Any plan in the field of transportation aims to preserve peace and stability in the region and contribute to economic development, we naturally support it,” he said.

However, Demirchilou repeatedly warned that Iran would oppose any initiative driven by external geopolitical objectives or directed against Iranian interests.

“If there is a plan that contains specific geopolitical objectives and is directed against Iran, then naturally Iran cannot tolerate such a matter,” he said.

When pressed for a clear endorsement of the TRIPP initiative itself, the ambassador reiterated the same formulation without offering a direct yes-or-no answer.

“Regardless of the name, if any plan in the field of transportation aims to preserve peace and stability in the region and contribute to economic development, we naturally support it,” he said.

The repeated ambiguity suggests Tehran’s intent to avoid openly opposing regional connectivity while retaining flexibility to challenge projects it views as strategically threatening.

The interview highlights an Iranian strategy defined less by outright opposition and more by careful qualification.

Tehran signals openness to cooperation and economic integration, but consistently frames its support as conditional, contingent on the absence of geopolitical motives.

For Azerbaijan, the remarks underline the diplomatic balancing act required to advance regional connectivity and strategic partnerships while managing the sensitivities of a neighbouring power whose acceptance remains cautious and closely guarded.

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Azerbaijan Israel Iran Zangazur Corridor TRIPP South Caucasus