Iranian expert: Azerbaijan’s cooperation with NATO poses threats to Russia and Iran

Published: 2025-11-14 07:20

Azerbaijan’s longstanding cooperation with NATO and Israel has sent “dangerous signals to Russia and Iran,” writes the pro-government Iranian news agency YJC, citing international relations expert Ramin Arian Rad. He recalls that immediately after the collapse of the USSR, Baku began actively developing cooperation with NATO under the Partnership for Peace program.

The expert notes that Azerbaijani servicemen took part in the coalition in Afghanistan and the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and have received training in cybersecurity, border control and demining at a Peace Training Center established with NATO’s support. In Ramin Arian Rad’s view, these steps reflect “Baku’s independent course, which is increasingly aligned with Western policy.”

He also points out that Azerbaijan has not joined pro-Russian structures such as the CSTO. Despite rhetoric about maintaining a balance between Russia and NATO, Baku’s policy, the expert argues, shows a clear tilt toward the alliance, which sees Azerbaijan as a tool for exerting pressure on both Russia and Iran.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News