Interview with member of the Azerbaijan-Iran interparliamentary group, MP Fazil Mustafa.
Q: What can be the geopolitical implications of the possible war between the western coalition and Iran?
A: Given the ongoing processes around the Strait of Hormuz, some circles consider the outbreak of war in the region real. I believe that this process will not be easy even for those who decide to start military operations against Iran. Therefore, the delay in the start of this operation comes from the fact that countries planning a war with Iran, are cautious. Since there is a danger that this war will engulf the entire region.
Q: Are the suspicions of the world community that the Iranian nuclear war is not peaceful true and is it the fault of the Iranian side that this suspicions arose?
A: The current regime in Iran is too close and cannot open up to the world, and this was the reason that the world sees this country as a source of danger. The view that Iran poses a danger also arose in the world community due to the fact that the leadership of the country is represented by the theocratic regime. For this reason, the opinion that the Iranian leadership is associated with a series of terrorist acts in the world started to spread widely. Naturally, in this case, the issue related to the concern with Iran's nuclear program is a pretext. Central to this issue is a problem with the existing regime in Iran. But it should also be noted that Iran’s steps in this issue are provocative.
Q: Will the possession of nuclear war by Iran prompt other countries to take adequate action?
A: Possession of nuclear weapon by any state in the region is due to their economic opportunities. For example, Turkey falls behind other countries in the region in this respect. However, Iran, given the presence of rich oil deposits, developed its nuclear program in a relatively short period of time. At the same time, with the consent of the United States Israel has completed this process long before, turning into an unofficial nuclear power. Accordingly, the judgment that the countries of the region have started the nuclear arms race does not correspond to the real situation. Most states in the region do not even feel the need to possess nuclear weapons. Because the presence of such weapons promises certain problems. One example is Iran, which is created problems for itself in a nuclear strive.
The international community should solve the problem of Iran's nuclear program peacefully. War will not be a good solution to this problem.
Q: What threats may Azerbaijan face in case of military actions around Iran?
A: I think it possible that Azerbaijan will suffer one of the main damages in case of war. Since, in such large-scale wars, damage is mostly done to smaller states. In addition, there is a possibility that ethnic Azeris living in Iran would face a serious problem during the war. This, in turn, may prompt a flow of refugees from Iran at the southern borders of Azerbaijan.
Q: How should Azerbaijan, act before and after military actions around Iran, considering its nonpermanent membership in the UN Security Council and as a state friendly to Iran?
A: In fact, Azerbaijan is not a friendly but just a neighboring country of Iran. Because a friendly country will never support the state, which occupied part of the territories of Azerbaijan. The assistance Iran rendered to Armenia is commensurate with the assistance provided by Russia to Iran. In other words, Iran is playing a catalytic role in the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
For its part, Azerbaijan properly fulfills its obligations under the principles of good neighborliness with Iran. But, anyway, Azerbaijan should not take the place among the anti-Iranian coalition because Azerbaijan is not indifferent to the fate of their compatriots in Iran, since they would be directly affected by the consequences of war. Baku should stand for peaceful solution to the Iranian problem. For this reason, Azerbaijan should not vote for anti-Iranian resolution in the UN Security Council.
Q: Can the possible war around Iran affect the resolution of the Karabakh conflict?
A: The recent judgments that the war in Iran can influence the resolution of the Karabakh conflict should not be taken for serious. Azerbaijan is unlikely to use the situation in Iran to settle the Karabakh conflict. Therefore, Azerbaijan must give preference to solution of the Karabakh conflict through war in conditions of stability in the region. Additionally, in case of war in Iran, Azerbaijan must do everything possible for its countrymen in this country to suffer least.
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