On January 31, President Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. During the call, the head of state expressed concern over the rising tensions in the region and emphasized that Azerbaijan is prepared to contribute to the de-escalation of the situation.
Speaking to the Operative Information Center-OMM regarding the geopolitical balancing act between the West and Tehran, political analyst Khayal Bashirov stated that Azerbaijan maintains a consistent position based on international law. He noted that Baku's stance remains unchanged despite the ongoing confrontations between Iran and Israel, as well as the broader friction between Iran and the West.
According to the analyst, official Baku operates on the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, particularly neighboring countries, and does not support any actions that threaten these principles. Bashirov recalled that during the escalations in June of last year, Azerbaijan clearly declared its support for a peaceful resolution through negotiations. He addressed past baseless allegations from certain religious and political circles in Iran regarding the use of Azerbaijani territory by Israel, noting that no evidence has ever been provided to support such claims.
“Azerbaijan forms its position not based on the interests of any specific state or political line, but on international law, the UN Charter, and established rules of interstate relations,” the political analyst emphasized.
As a country that suffered from foreign occupation for nearly thirty years, Azerbaijan remains a staunch advocate for the inviolability of borders. Furthermore, Baku is firmly opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the emergence of new conflict zones in the region.
The analyst further noted that while Iran is a close neighbor with shared historical, cultural, and religious ties, Azerbaijan’s relations with US President Donald Trump's administration and Israel are transparent and not directed against any third party. He highlighted that Baku views the steps taken by the United States to strengthen peace in the South Caucasus positively and in line with national interests.
Azerbaijan's foreign policy is characterized by a multi-vector approach, seeking to maintain balanced relations with global powers while prioritizing regional security. Since the restoration of its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan has emerged as a key diplomatic mediator and economic hub in the South Caucasus. By hosting international forums and engaging in high-level dialogue with both Western leaders and regional neighbors, Baku continues to promote the principle of "regional solutions for regional problems," aiming to prevent the Caspian region from becoming an arena for external geopolitical confrontations.
Ultimately, Azerbaijan’s strategy is built on balance rather than taking sides. Official Baku refuses to be part of the confrontation or the rhetoric of accusations. International law, state sovereignty, and dialogue remain the unwavering pillars of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, demonstrating that responsible diplomacy, rather than military force, is the primary guarantor of regional peace.
