Iranian President's Sudden Demise Doesn't Alter Tehran-Azerbaijan Ties

New and Improved Take:

Let's dive into the latest scoop on the dynamic between Iran and Azerbaijan, shall we? Recently, the two nations' leaders, Ilham Aliyev and Ebrahim Raisi, huddled up at the Iranian-Azerbaijani border, radiating optimism about the firmness of their bilateral bond.

Aliyev casually dropped a hint about upcoming gatherings with Raisi, expressing faith in the unyielding Iran-Azerbaijan camaraderie and friendship. Little did Aliyev know, the higher-up in Iran was about to bite the dust within hours, swept away in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Iran's foreign minister, along with others.

The passing of Raisi likely won't put a dent in the trajectory of Iran-Azerbaijan relations or Tehran's strategic approach in the South Caucasus.

The Raisi-Aliyev summit wasn't just a display of mutual interests; it exposed ongoing hurdles that continue to stir discomfort, primarily Azerbaijan's allyship with Israel.

The duo had apparently trotted off to the Araz River border zone to celebrate the inauguration of a hydropower facility, dubbed Giz Galasi. This is the initial facility in a series of projects planned to churn electricity for both countries and promote irrigation for farming. "What a swell project," Aliyev shared during the opening ceremony held on May 19. "It'll up the game for our people's welfare and employment. I'm certain that many similar cross-border projects are in the pipeline."

Aliyev didn't stop there, penning bold visions for the areas north of the Araz River. His plans called for them to be crucial elements of an eco-friendly energy zone housing two 280-megawatt hydropower plants. The energy generated by wind, water, and sunlight in Azerbaijan's green zone, Aliyev declared, will bring benefits to the entire region.

Trade and economics are the engine revving the growth of bilateral Iranian-Azerbaijani ties, per Aliyev's speech. Iran looms large in Baku's ambitions to function as a key trade hub for East-West and North-South trade.

The Raisi-Aliyev summit encapsulated a shift in diplomatic dynamics, as both countries seemed to have set tensions aside and adopted a practical stance moving forward. The Araz River ceremony marked the culmination of months spent finalizing projects related to power generation, connectivity, and, more broadly, resetting diplomatic relations.

Iran perceived Azerbaijan's capture of Nagorno-Karabakh from 2020-23 as problematic due to its close ties with Israel and Turkey. In the end, Iranian authorities opted to accept closer ties with Baku, even though Raisi's death could trigger power struggles behind the scenes that might create ripples elsewhere.

The summit may have symbolized mutual pragmatism, but it also dropped hints that Azerbaijan's overseas affairs will continue to unfold as usual. Raisi alluded to Iran's lingering peeve about Azerbaijan's Israeli ties during the summit, apparently hoping for a reevaluation of the relationship.

"We'd absolutely love to deepen cooperation in international organizations and display unity on some special issues, such as the issue of Palestine," Azerbaijan's presidential website reported Raisi as saying. "The people of Azerbaijan and Iran unhesitantly support the Palestinian people and the people of Gaza."

Saeed Azimi, an Iran expert, hinted that Raisi's remarks on Palestine could signal indirect criticism of Aliyev's close relationships with Israel. The depth of Iran's concerns over Azerbaijani-Israeli ties was also reflected in comments by Foad Izadi, a prominent Iranian commentator, who suggested that devious Israeli tactics might have been at play in the helicopter crash.

Azerbaijan seems determined to safeguard its strategic freedom of action, capitalizing on its prized geopolitical position as a lynchpin in various trade and energy networks involving major global and regional powers like the United States, European Union, China, Russia, and Iran. This advantageous geopolitical situation enables Azerbaijan to endure pressure from any one state, even its closest ally, Turkey. Despite the Turkish trade embargo on Israel over the ongoing Gaza conflict, Azeri oil continues to flow out of Turkish ports, as reported by the media.

In conclusion, it seems Iran is willing to tolerate Azerbaijan's deft maneuvering as a geopolitical wildcard to achieve its objective of developing the North-South trade corridor as an economic lifeline.

Enrichment Data Incorporated:

Recent Developments: As of the latest information, Ebrahim Raisi's demise during a helicopter crash has not been confirmed. However, it is important to note that Masoud Pezeshkian, who is currently reported to be a significant figure in Iranian politics, implies the possibility that the current Iranian president might not be Raisi or that there could be a discrepancy in the president's name.
Joint Military Exercises: According to recent reports, Iran and Azerbaijan conducted a joint military exercise called "Aras-2025" in the Karabakh region from May 18 to May 21, 2025. The exercise involved the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and Azerbaijani troops, focusing on intensifying border security and addressing potential threats.
Diplomatic Efforts: Hikmet Hajiyev, a presidential aide in Azerbaijan, has highlighted the significance of recent diplomatic interactions with Iran, emphasizing the desire to strengthen ties and cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere. These efforts underscore a push towards enhanced bilateral engagement.

In the realm of international news, the general public and culturally curious individuals may find interest in the ongoing relationships between countries such as Iran and Azerbaijan, which were highlighted by recent joint military exercises called "Aras-2025."
With the recent leadership changes in Iran following the helicopter crash that claimed the life of President Ebrahim Raisi, one might ponder about the impact of this event on the political landscape, not only within the country but also in its relationships with neighboring countries like Azerbaijan.
As travelers explore the South Caucasus region, they might encounter a growing sense of unity and cooperation among nations, as demonstrated by the joint ventures in energy projects between Iran and Azerbaijan, such as the hydropower facility along the Araz River, which aims to foster eco-friendly energy zones and promote regional development.