The issue of the convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, which unites five countries in its nearshore, including the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran, had been remaining an outstanding issue since 1996. Finally, 22 years later, the convention was signed in 2018 by all states except Iran did not ratify it. Back in the Soviet era, Iran's share in the Caspian Sea was by 50%. Because at that time only two states were bordered by the world's largest inland water. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, in addition to Russia, three new post-Soviet states were born, demanding their share of the sea. During the negotiations on the division of the Caspian Sea between the countries, Iran's share was gradually withdrawn. At present, Iran's share is estimated to have dropped from about 50 percent in 1992 to about 11 percent. Iran refused to approve the document that had to complete the ratification three years ago. However, seeing how its share has shrunk in the sea, Iran started to backtrack under various pretexts, because it was obviously not satisfied with its share in the Caspian basin.

It should be noted that the convention to be ratified is a document that provides a legal basis for the use of Caspian resources by these littoral states. It is also an agreement on the responsibility of states that conduct military drills in the Caspian Sea and use it for trade and as natural resources, where Iran is still trying to avoid this responsibility.

The other reason why Iran did sign the convention but did not ratify it is due to its complicated historical and geopolitical relations. Throughout history, the Persian ideology, which has called the Caspian Sea "mazandaran", imagines a huge basin as a lake that reaches five countries. Unfortunately, Iran never realised that with such an ideology it will never expand its power but in the contrary lose its influence in the region and in the world.

In the mean time, yesterday Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sharply warned Iran to ratify the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea as soon as possible. Interestingly, this demand also comes at a time when Iran is holding nuclear talks with the United States and its European allies in Vienna and Tehran needs the diplomatic support of Russia and China.

It seems that Iran which is being confined to access the South Caucasus, has upset the official Kremlin with such awkward actions.

Will Iran ratify the convention or ignore the demand of Russia?

The head of the Centre for Middle East Studies, Sadraddin Soltan, has told to EDNews.net about the processes. He first commented on the interests of Russia in making such a strong demand on Iran.

"Recent events have shown that Iran's position on the Caspian Sea does not satisfy Russia's interests either. Because for many years, the United States has considered the Caspian Sea as its national interest and national security zone. Despite that, Iran has been refusing to sign the convention under various pretexts since the issue of the division of the Caspian Sea arose.

As for Russia's goals and interests, I can say that the recent joint training of Azerbaijani and Turkish servicemen in the Azerbaijani sector in the Caspian Sea has shaken both Russia and Iran. That is why Russia has called on Iran to ratify the document as soon as possible. Because Russia fears that Azerbaijan may hold military exercises with another country in the region. It should be borne in mind that Azerbaijan is cooperating with NATO, and it is possible that Azerbaijan will conduct military exercises in its sector with another NATO member. In that case, Russia is wary of NATO's military maneuvering near its borders. That is why Russia is urging Iran to take this step.

He also added what would expect Iran if it opposes Russia's urgent requirement.

Iran's failure to comply with the requirement of ratifying the convention means that Russia's interests are not being met. In this case, Russia can put some pressure on Iran, and the signing of the document in this direction will depend on the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Iran. I think Iran will not break Russia's word on this issue. Because Iran is trying to accord with Russia in a number of steps taken in the region and the world.

By Elnur Enveroglu