Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, recently conveyed apprehension regarding Armenia's decision to return four enclave villages of Gazakh to Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving tensions. Sobhani cautioned against actions that could exacerbate the situation, urging for peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

The question arises: Why is Iran concerned about the return of enclave villages?

In an exclusive interview with Ednews, Elyar Kamrani, an expert on Iran, provided insights into Iran's perspective on the matter. Kamrani explained that Iran's statement is not unexpected, given its historical alignment with Armenia in conflicts such as the First and Second Karabakh Wars. He pointed out that Iran's reluctance towards Azerbaijan's territorial restoration stems from its geopolitical interests.

Kamrani highlighted Armenia's agreement to peacefully return the villages to Azerbaijan, coupled with its intention to transfer one of the villages, Ciliza, to Georgia. He noted that Armenia's actions reflect a desire for peaceful relations with its neighbors.

The expert underscored that Iran's stance underscores its reluctance to see Azerbaijan regain its territorial integrity, as it perceives Azerbaijan's consolidation as a potential challenge to its regional influence. However, Kamrani suggested that a resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia could pave the way for the restoration of the Zangezur corridor, fostering regional stability.

Iran's concerns over the return of enclave villages underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the South Caucasus region, with implications for regional stability and cooperation. Kamrani's analysis sheds light on Iran's strategic calculations and its implications for ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.