Since the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Iran has pursued several model policies. On the one hand, as a country that keeps its borders open with Armenia, it is completely on the side of the aggressor. On the one hand, it was leading a strong propaganda, claiming that it was in favor of Azerbaijan, especially in order to suppress the protests of South Azerbaijan.
But in all these weeks of controversy, Ali Khamenei has remained silent. Until today, on the occasion of the 13th Aban, Khamenei broke the silence and said extremely important words. Although Ali Khamenei said that Azerbaijan was right to take back its lands, he also expressed different words that should be noted, which show the main position of Iran.
Khamenei did not call Armenia an aggressor
Ali Khamenei seemed to choose some words carefully in these talks. For example, Khamenei did not mention that Armenia is an aggressor. Thus, he tried to soften the accusation of being neutral in the face of a state occupying a Muslim land. He also spoke about the need to take into account the security of Armenians. In this case, the Iranian leader did not say a word about the simple nation targeted in places such as Ganja, Barda and Tartar.
Ali Khamenei also once again claimed in his talks that there were foreign terrorists in Karabakh and openly spoke against Turkey, saying that he did not accept the denial of some countries. Khamenei also drew attention to an issue related to international borders. What does he mean by focusing on international borders?
By this word, Iran is referring to the Zangazur issue, which has never been officially discussed, and thus trying to challenge itself. Zangazur is the name of the part that connects the territory of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and is now considered the territory of Armenia. Although it is historically the territory of Azerbaijan, it is currently the territory of Armenia under international law. Also, Khamenei’s reference to this without mentioning any official point is that Iran, which is in fact a weak position, is trying to make room for itself. Ali Khamenei, as well as the fact that terrorists are not close to the borders of Iran, but threaten to take serious action if they come, can be seen as a step taken to open a place of work for them.
Azerbaijan made Iran admit its power both in field and diplomacy
It is clear to everyone that Iran did not want Armenia to end the occupation. Also, Iran does not want a strong Azerbaijan in the North, as it always has. However, the Republic of Azerbaijan forced Iran to sit back with extremely strong attacks both on the battlefield and in the political arena. The fact that Ali Khamenei came and emphasized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan at this stage is undoubtedly something that Iran does not want, but is forced to do. Thus, Azerbaijan has accepted its power in Iran. However, how Iran reacts to Karabakh after this stage is still a bit dependent on Russia’s position. Iran knows it cannot take a strong step alone. Although Iran will do everything in its power to prevent this from happening, Iran will no longer be able to see the risk of openly supporting Armenia, which is collapsing in the current situation. Therefore, he tries to appear next to the strong with a turn. However, it is clear to everyone that the South Azerbaijan factor in particular is a nightmare for Iran and will do its best to stop Azerbaijan in both the south and the north.
