"Iran can send radical believers to commit sabotage and terrorist acts"

Question: Recently relations between Iran and Armenia have reached their peak. Why is Iran trying to spoil relations with Azerbaijan because of Armenia?

Answer: The peak of relations between Iran and Armenia is still ahead. Since there are unfinished affairs in the Karabakh conflict, Iran in this situation is trying to bring maximum benefit to Armenia. The matter will not end with the transportation of fuel, household materials, essential goods for the Karabakh Armenians and the purchase of copper concentrates from Armenia. As a logical continuation of the policy pursued by Iran so far, any actions should be expected, up to the coordination of the enemy's provocations on our lands. This policy has historical roots. It is no secret that even during the Soviet era, the attitude of the Iranian regimes (both under the Shah and under the mullah regime) towards Azerbaijan was insincere. After Azerbaijan gained independence, Iran's attitude towards it no longer just became insincere, but became an indirect and sometimes direct support for those troubles that could put an end to our independence. And the reason for this is South Azerbaijan, where millions of our compatriots live. South Azerbaijan regards the independent Azerbaijan Republic as its native state and preserves national feelings. Iran is concerned about the victory won by Azerbaijan during the 44-day war. Iran is unable to digest the transformation of independent Azerbaijan into a strong, problem-free, leading republic in the region. That is why he is close to the enemy, who still continues to harass us and keep us on our toes. Iran does not want to openly spoil relations, covering it up with diplomatic steps, but also does not hesitate to demonstrate its military power.

Question: facts were spread on social networks that “Stepanakert Armenia” was written in the accompanying documents of vehicles traveling from Iran. What does Iran want to say by this? Could this be the Iranian message “We recognize Khankendi as a city of Armenia”?

Answer: Even if this fact is a deliberate provocation of some company, for some reason the Iranian secret services, known for their special attentiveness when crossing the border, did not prevent this provocation. Therefore, this is the policy of the country. We somehow still endured the fact that before the war (44-day war - Ed.) They were transporting goods to Khankendi through the occupied territories - Jabrail, Zangilan, demolishing houses in our homeland and taking them away as building materials. But, how do you order to understand that they are crossing the border of Armenia, entering our territory, which is not yet controlled by us, and in addition to everything, they write in the waybills of “Stepanakert Armenia”? Just three days ago, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Sayeed Khatibzade said that Iran recognizes the territorial integrity of neighboring states. Iran also knows that international law has been violated, Iranian drivers have illegally crossed our border. Therefore, their ambassador to Baku in the shortest possible time holds three official meetings in a row, the Foreign Ministry spokesman talks about territorial integrity. But are they sincere? Personally, I think it is unlikely that Iran will fully observe our interests in the Karabakh issue.

Question: After Azerbaijan tightened control over the section of the Gorus-Kafan Road passing through Gubadli, Pashinyan stated that Armenia accepts the fact that foreign goods, as noted in the CIS legal framework, when crossing the country's border must pass through customs, passport and other points ... This is normal approach. But, despite this, Iran does not stop its actions. What is its purpose?

Answer: The 21-kilometer section of the Gorus-Kafan road passes through the territory of Azerbaijan. Pashinyan confirmed that this territory belongs to Azerbaijan since the day the war ended. Iran did not expect that Azerbaijan would check  this section of the road and that foreign cars would be subject to customs duties.  We have always been careful with Iran. Because the  road to Nakhchivan runs through Iran, in order to avoid additional problems, we had to endure some of Iran's whims. But all patience has its limits. Iran is testing our patience and we have the right to answer. Iran's goal is to support Armenia as long as possible from an economic and political point of view. And although Iran itself is under sanctions, it continues this policy, because it knows that neither the United States, nor the European Union, nor anyone else will condemn him for ties with Armenia. And neither of these countries blames Armenia for ties with Iran. This means that we must put on the agenda the issue of control of our borders, especially joint control with the peacekeepers over the state border at the entrance to the Lachin corridor, which is still outside our control. Otherwise, goods and citizens of the third state (states) will pass here and the consequences of this may be dangerous for us.

Question: Recently, Azerbaijan officially handed over a note to Iran. Control over their vehicles was tightened and a toll was applied. What else can be done to stop such actions of Iran?

Answer: It is necessary to continue an uncompromising, tough policy in this direction. But Iran can again use our weaknesses. By specifying any point in Armenia in the waybill, Iranian cars can be inspected, pay the toll and continue their journey. Then they can cross the Azerbaijani border in the direction of Lachin and go to Khankendi. Rooms are subject to change. Moreover, the Armenians say that the alternative road will be commissioned by the end of November. Suppose that the road will be ready by the end of the year, and they will not be allowed on our 21-kilometer territory. But what about the road to Khankendi? Once again it is confirmed that the current situation, being an effective means of pressure, is not a solution to the problem. I repeat, we must raise before Russia the issue of joint control of the state border with the peacekeepers at the entrance to the Lachin road. Unfortunately, we still have an official position in this direction. The prospects for the start of peace negotiations, border demarcation and an early outcome are unlikely. We must establish control at the specified border.

Question: Does Iran do all this deliberately? At present, there have been reports in the media about the beginning of exercises in the areas bordering with Azerbaijan. Is Iran trying to show strength? What annoys it?

Answer: The start of military exercises along our border is Iran's response to the joint Azerbaijani-Turkish military exercises, which Pakistan has joined in recent days. Iran is demonstrating strength and thus allegedly trying to restrain us. In addition, Iran is already forming its Zhirinovskys, and Ayatollah of the Ardabil mosque Seyid Hasan Amuli threatens us with SEPAH (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enghelab-e Eslami - IRGC (Corps of the Strict Islamic Revolution - an elite military-political formation created in 1979) from the militarized detachments of Islamic revolutionary committees, supporters of the leader of the Iranian Shiites Ayatollah Khomeini - Ed.) Turkey's support for Azerbaijan from political, economic, military points of view and the gradual increase in influence in the South Caucasus worries both Iran and Russia. Therefore, they are making every effort to put pressure on Azerbaijan by various means the border exercises conducted by Iran also serve this purpose.

Question: how should relations with Iran be built in general?

Answer: Iran is a neighboring state, millions of our compatriots live there, and we are united by certain historical and cultural roots. We would very much like our relations with Iran to be at least sincere. It is also important to pursue a cautious policy towards Iran. It should be borne in mind that there are enough forces in Azerbaijan that support Iran for religious reasons. If necessary, Iran can click on this button. The mood in social networks in connection with the death of General Gasim Suleimani has not been forgotten either. Iran can send radical believers to commit various acts, including sabotage and terror. Therefore, a certain caution in relations with Iran is necessary. However, the current Iranian policy dictates the opposite. Therefore, our interests also have their own red lines, which Azerbaijan will not allow to cross, even though Iran is much larger in territory than Azerbaijan. Iran must come to terms with the place and role of Turkey in Azerbaijan and know that other forces, led by Turkey, are behind us.

Kamran Mahmudov