By Raz Zimmit.
In recent days, Iran has voiced unusual criticism against Russia, following its support for Azerbaijan in the Zangezur Corridor dispute.
The corridor, which connects Azerbaijan with the enclave of Nakhchivan, a region territorially separated from the rest of the country, is a source of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Iran opposes Azerbaijani control over the corridor as it blocks territorial continuity between Iran and Armenia and from there to Europe. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Baku last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed support for Azerbaijan's position and accused Armenia of obstructing efforts to reach a peace deal between the two countries.
Russia's position reflects the cooling of its relationship with Armenia in recent years, particularly since the war in Ukraine and Armenia's significant rapprochement with the West.
In response to the Russian statements, the Russian ambassador in Tehran was summoned to a meeting for clarifications with the director general of the Eurasia Department of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The director general reiterated Iran's opposition to changing international borders in the Caucasus.
Senior Iranian officials have also sharply criticized Russia's policy.
Mohsen Rezaee, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards and a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, said Russia's behavior contradicts the strategic ties between the two countries.
Ahmad Nadri, member of the Majles [Islamic Consultative Assembly] argued that Iran's lack of a forceful response to previous Russian actions has emboldened Moscow.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also implicitly criticized Russia's position.
In a post on X, he stressed that any threat to the territorial integrity of Iran's neighbors or the redrawing of borders is completely unacceptable and constitutes a "red line" for Iran.
These tensions over the Zangezur Corridor highlight Iran's long-standing suspicion of Russia and the inherent limitations of their relationship, despite their strengthened strategic partnership in recent years, particularly since the war in Ukraine.
The current tensions come amid the formation of a new government in Tehran headed by newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The president stressed his commitment to continuing good relations with Russia, and also seeks to renew nuclear talks with the West, with the goal of reaching a political agreement that would lift sanctions and improve relations with the West.
Iran is unlikely to change its strategy towards Russia in the near future, and the two countries are even expected to sign a multi-year strategic cooperation agreement soon.
However, Iran's growing dissatisfaction with Russia's conduct and the perception that Moscow is not meeting Iran's expectations have cast doubt on Tehran's official stance toward Moscow and may create opportunities to drive a wedge between them in the future.
Source: INSS – The Institute for National Security Studies