Iran and Azerbaijan: A Complex Relationship

A History of Conflict and Cooperation

Iran and Azerbaijan are two neighboring countries with a long and complex history. The two countries have been at war on several occasions, most recently in the 1990s. However, they have also cooperated on a number of issues, including energy and trade.

One of the most significant sources of tension between Iran and Azerbaijan is the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is a disputed region that is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but is controlled by ethnic Armenians. Iran has supported Armenia in the conflict, while Azerbaijan has accused Iran of providing military assistance to Armenia.

Economic Cooperation

Despite the political tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan, the two countries have also cooperated on a number of economic issues. Iran is a major supplier of natural gas to Azerbaijan, and the two countries have also agreed to cooperate on the development of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea.

Cultural Ties

Iran and Azerbaijan have a number of cultural ties. The two countries share a common language, Persian, and have a long history of cultural exchange. There are also a number of ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Iran.

The relationship between Iran and Azerbaijan is complex and multifaceted. The two countries have a long history of conflict and cooperation, and their relationship is likely to continue to be shaped by a number of factors, including the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, economic cooperation, and cultural ties.