Provincial note on recent problems between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan: I am also Azerbaijani

Baku/20.11.22/Turan: Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for international affairs, in an article published on the website of the Iranian “Tasnim” agency, stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always taken care of its neighbors and was never going to invade or take under its control the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Velayati highly appreciated the key role of the Azerbaijani people in the history of Iran and its important steps in protecting the country and strengthening the power and regional significance of Iran. Velayati also denied accusations leveled against Iran in connection with rumors that the Islamic Republic planned to attack the Republic of Azerbaijan or seize power in a neighboring country.

He also touched on the political and media tensions that have spread between the two countries, reiterating that all Iranians, regardless of their ethnicity, are considered Iranians. Iran has never envied its neighbors; on the contrary, it always showed attention to them and a desire to maintain positive relations with everyone, he said.

“Today it should be said that every Azerbaijani is an Iranian, and every Iranian is an Azerbaijani. This is true even if they have a non-Iranian passport or reside outside of Iran,” the leader’s adviser continued, stating: “I am also an Azerbaijani.”

“I am proud to say that, like other Iranians, I consider myself an Azerbaijani. I come from the foothills of the Albarz Mountains, but wherever in Iran my home is. Like other Iranians, I consider every part of proud Iran as a corner of my soul and heart and will even give my life to protect it.

Since the  coming of  Shah Ismail Khatai (1502) to the power in Tabriz, the Iranian people have experienced a renewal and strengthening their national identity and independence, and their history has entered a brilliant period of its civilization. This is especially true given the arrival of Shah Ismail in Tabriz, which was a significant event in the history of Iran, since the first official act of the new king after the coronation was the official recognition of the blessed Shiite faith throughout the country.

One of the surprising aspects of history that comes to light when examining this important period of Iranian history is how a strong religious conviction can effectively erase the sharp differences between the country's various ethnic groups and help the country rebuild itself.

Shiite believers throughout Iran gradually cast aside their political, racial and class prejudices, calling themselves "Iranians" and attempted to resurrect an Iranian national identity.

Al-Ghadir by Allameh Abdul Hossein Amini Tabrizi (1281/1320 AH Tabriz - 1349/1390 AH Tehran) is the most important source for those who want to understand the depth of Shiism and the justice of Ahl al-Bayt. The work of Allameh Mohammad Tagi Jafari Tabrizi will be needed if one wants to compare them with Western philosophy.

When looking for the primary source of spirituality in the modern age, who brought up such as Imam Khomeini, scholars of the Shia faith will undoubtedly mention Seyyed Ali Kazi Tabatabai Tabrizi, a pioneer in this field.

The role of Azerbaijanis in Iran is demonstrated by all of the above examples, and today it should be loudly declared that every Azerbaijani is an Iranian, and every Iranian is an Azerbaijani. Even if these Iranians or Azerbaijanis are traveling on a different passport or do not live in Iran.

Anywhere in the world, if any Azerbaijani can freely express his opinion, he is either an Iranian citizen, or even if he is not, he looks at Iran out of the corner of his eye and holds a special place in his heart for Iran, regardless of the fact  whether the enemies of Iran  and our beloved Azerbaijan want it  or not.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently made efforts to improve relations and eliminate any misunderstandings with its neighbors, including Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.”

Velayati's remarks came in response to a controversial statement by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during the 9th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States advocating Turkey's unity and integration in response to Iran's recent pre-planned military exercises on the border between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Azerbaijani ambassador to Tehran in connection with "anti-Iranian propaganda and a slanderous campaign against the Islamic Republic by Azerbaijani officials and media."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, in his statement, responded to Aliyev's recent comments, reflecting a sense of concern about relations between Tehran and Yerevan. “Our principled policy is based on good neighborliness and expanding relations with all neighbors, and strengthening ties with a neighbor does not mean that these relations are directed against another neighbor,” Kanaani said.

He also underlined Iran's principled policy regarding the long-standing dispute between the two northern neighbors in the Karabakh region, stating: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has constantly emphasized the defense of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the peaceful resolution of their differences, while respecting the rights and within the international rights. That is why Iran condemned the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and supported their liberation at the highest level.”

For almost two years now, Azerbaijani and Armenian officials at different levels of representation have been holding bilateral and multilateral meetings at various political, military and security levels, as well as on the path to permanent peace and reconciliation, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, but Baku is worried about ordinary neighborhood meetings are unclear, Kanaani added.

The spokesman described the recent exercises held on the borders of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan as a routine and pre-planned operation, about which the respective neighbors were informed in advance through official channels.