IRAN'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE
REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
Notwithstanding, Iran and Azerbaijan are
both Shi’i Muslim countries and have a
common historical and cultural heritage.
History as well as ideological and political
factors have shaped relations between the
two countries and have influenced the
policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran
toward the Republic of Azerbaijan. Iran was
among the first countries to recognize
Azerbaijan's return to independence in 1991,
establishing diplomatic relations with Baku
in March 22, 1992. Since the Soviet
disintegration, however, the unstable and
complicated Iranian-Azerbaijani relationship
has demonstrated Tehran’s discomfort with
Azerbaijan’s existence as an independent
and secular state. In addition, Tehran resents
Baku's strategic relations with Iran's key
enemies--the United States and Israel. It is
clear from the actions of the Iranian
government that it considers Azerbaijan a
direct challenge or threat to its security and
political future. This key point in Tehran's
calculations towards Azerbaijan has deep
historical roots.
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