CENTRAL ASIA AND THE CAUCASUS
Volume 12 Issue 1 2011
57
Azerbaijan and Georgia, unlike Armenia, consider the West (U.S.) to be a key source for securing
their independence and counterbalancing Russia’s predominant power. Second, the Islamic nature of
Tehran’s regime significantly limits political cooperation; and third, Russia is a major bone of conten-
tion. The elimination of Iranian-U.S. tension or any significant improvement in their relations does
not coincide with Russia’s long-term interests.
Finally, the strategic approach of Iran’s foreign policy toward the Southern Caucasus is more
pragmatic than ideological. It is based on ethnicity and oriented toward preventing any significant shifts
that could strengthen the position of the United States, the European Union, or NATO; supporting
Russian dominance; and maintaining a balance between local states.
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