On Monday, November 25, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Azerbaijani special forces began large-scale joint military exercises in Iran’s northwestern border region. The event, called “Joint Exercise Aras,” is taking place in Iran and will last four days. It is devoted to issues of counter-terrorism and border protection in difficult mountainous terrain. The name of the exercise is associated with the Aras River, which flows along the border of the two countries.
The opening ceremony took place in the city of Aslanduz, located in the Iranian province of Ardabil. On November 24, the Azerbaijani military was solemnly welcomed at the Bilekh-Savar border crossing. According to the IRGC, these maneuvers are aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation and demonstrate a new level of interaction between the two neighboring states.
Despite years of strained relations caused by Iran’s support for Azerbaijan’s rival Armenia, as well as Baku’s close ties with Israel, the exercise underscores the parties’ desire to improve bilateral dialog in the military-strategic sphere.
Earlier, Kursor reported that the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, made new threats against Israel, the United States and their Western allies. He said that no military force in the world, including the United States, European states and Israel, could resist the “united army of the Islamic world, armed with “faith, jihad and the willingness to sacrifice oneself in the name of Allah.” According to him, countries such as Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Iran itself are at the “front line of the fight against the Zionist entity” and its allies.
How do these joint exercises impact the geopolitical relationship between Iran, Armenia, and Turkey?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and welcome to our special segment on geopolitical developments. Today, we’re diving into the recent military exercises conducted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Azerbaijani special forces in northwestern Iran. Joining us is Dr. Amir Khodadadi, a seasoned expert on Middle Eastern military affairs. Welcome, Dr. Khodadadi!
Dr. Amir Khodadadi (AK): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s get right into it. The joint military exercises between Iran and Azerbaijan have raised several eyebrows internationally. What do you think prompted this collaboration at this moment?
AK: Well, the dynamics in this region have been shifting for a while. Both nations have faced external pressures—Iran from sanctions and Azerbaijan from its historical tensions with Armenia. By conducting these exercises, they not only strengthen their military ties but also send a signal to external powers, particularly neighboring countries and Western nations, about their capabilities and solidarity.
TNE: That’s an interesting perspective. Can you elaborate on the strategic significance of this collaboration for both countries?
AK: Certainly! For Iran, partnering with Azerbaijan allows it to showcase its military strength and enhance security partnerships in the Caspian region. Azerbaijani forces, on the other hand, gain valuable operational experience and a greater deterrent capability against potential adversaries. It’s a classic case of mutual benefit, addressing both nations’ security needs.
TNE: Security needs that seem to be informed by a complex regional backdrop. How do you think this exercise affects Iran’s relationships with its neighbors, specifically Armenia and Turkey?
AK: That’s a critical aspect. Armenia may view these drills with concern, considering its recent conflicts with Azerbaijan. This may widen the rift between Iran and Armenia, given Iran’s historical support for Armenia against Azerbaijan. On the flip side, Turkey, which supports Azerbaijan and has mutual interests with Iran, may welcome these exercises but could also feel uneasy about Iran’s growing influence in the region.
TNE: You mentioned external powers earlier. How might the United States and Russia perceive these developments, especially in the light of ongoing tensions in the region?
AK: The U.S. is likely to see this as a troubling alignment in a region where it seeks to exert influence. Meanwhile, Russia, which historically maintains relationships with both countries, may view it as a strategic balancing act. While Russia supports Armenia, it also has interests in Azerbaijan and would prefer to contain any conflicts that may arise from such exercises.
TNE: With the international community watching closely, what potential risks do you foresee arising from these military drills?
AK: The potential for escalated tensions is always present in such exercises. Miscalculations or aggressive posturing from either side can easily spiral into conflict. Furthermore, if these exercises are perceived as provocative, they could lead to a broader military buildup in the region, drawing in outside powers and complicating an already complex situation.
TNE: That’s quite sobering. Lastly, Dr. Khodadadi, what do you think the long-term implications of this collaboration might be for the regional power dynamics?
AK: In the long term, if Iran and Azerbaijan continue their cooperation, it could lead to a more cohesive security framework that challenges traditional power dynamics in the region. This might encourage other countries to either align with or against these nations, setting the stage for shifting alliances in the coming years.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Khodadadi, for your insights. Clearly, this joint military exercise is more than just a display of power; it signifies important shifts in regional politics. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how these developments unfold.
AK: Thank you for having me. The situation will certainly be interesting to watch.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on global events that shape our world.