Russia and Iran’s Diverging Interests in the South Caucasus

Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming to strengthen Moscow-Tehran relations against NATO expansion and promote regional projects. However, notable divergences exist, particularly in the South Caucasus, impacting energy and transportation initiatives. Resolving these conflicting interests will be crucial for aligning their partnership effectively.

On January 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formalized their cooperation through the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This treaty aims to strengthen bilateral relations in opposition to NATO expansion, enhance the North-South Corridor, and promote the 3+3 regional format. Despite this partnership, significant divergences in interests persist, especially concerning the South Caucasus regions, affecting their energy and transport projects.

One significant area of disagreement between Russia and Iran is their stance on the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia and their differing views on military ties between Israel and Azerbaijan. This rift also extends to economic and energy collaborations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, particularly focusing on natural gas exports and transportation infrastructure.

The divergent interests are vividly illustrated by the contrasting perspectives on the proposed Zangezur Corridor between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. Following Putin’s visit to Baku, it became clear that Russia supports Azerbaijan’s unrestricted access plan, drawing criticism from Iran, which fears a reduction in its borders and influence. This friction could potentially lead to a blockade at the border, jeopardizing Iran’s strategic position.

Moreover, another contentious issue is the Aras Corridor project, an initiative between Azerbaijan and Iran intended as an alternative route to enhance economic stability near their shared border. Despite cooperation on the Rasht-Astara railway, Russia has refrained from supporting the Aras Corridor, which further complicates relations between Moscow and Tehran.

The competition extends to natural gas exports, evidenced by the 20-year gas-for-electricity swap agreement between Iran and Armenia. The agreement has faced challenges, particularly with Russia exerting influence over pipeline specifications and controlling many supply routes, thus undermining Iran’s efforts to engage competitively in the regional energy market.

Overall, while there exists a strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, the South Caucasus remains a region of contention due to overlapping but conflicting interests. Without addressing these differences, their cooperative framework may falter, impacting broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The partnership between Russia and Iran in the South Caucasus is marked by substantial contradictions, as both nations face divergent interests that complicate their collaboration. These conflicts manifest in economic and territorial disagreements, particularly regarding strategic corridors and energy projects. Unless these issues are reconciled, their relationship may continue to be characterized by unalignment despite their broader strategic partnership.

Original Source: jamestown.org