"At present, protests against the regime in Tabriz have increased significantly, and even Tabriz has become the center of revolutions and protests in Iran."
Political analyst Metin Mammadli said these words in his comments to Ednews about the latest events in Tabriz.
"I would say that not only our fellow Turks, but even the entire local population joined the protests due to socio-economic difficulties. Such a situation seems to have given an impetus to the legitimate protests of our compatriots in Iran, especially in Tabriz and nearby cities. I think this can turn Tabriz into a serious center of resistance against the regime."
M.Mammadli also talked about the demonstration of pressure by our compatriots in Tabriz against Armenia's desire to open a consulate, as well as Iran's insincere policy towards Azerbaijan.
"Protests against Armenia's desire to open a consulate in Tabriz, where Azerbaijani Turks live, are considered a natural phenomenon. I would like to mention the recent history when Azerbaijan had just regained its independence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan offered to open our consulate in Tabriz. Although Iran itself had just opened its consulate in Nakhchivan at that time, the Iranian government delayed the matter and skipped it.
"Today, Iran's acceptance of Armenia's proposal so quickly reveals Iran's prejudiced position against Azerbaijan, and this causes strong irritation among our compatriots living in Tabriz."
Speaking about Iran's behaviour in the last 30 years since Azerbaijan's independence, the expert noted that Iran is very worried about Azerbaijan's ability to solve its problems in the region.
"Regarding the biased policy of Iran, if we look at the last 30 years, we can often find such behaviour of Iran. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan has always pursued a balanced policy with Iran, respecting the principles of neighborliness. The state of Azerbaijan has never agreed to use its territory as a shield against Iran. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan's position was not adequately responded by Iran.
I would like to mention that we have witnessed that the new realities formed especially after the Second Karabakh War have greatly disturbed Iran. Undoubtedly, Iran's government officials think that recent events related to the Second Karabakh War significantly strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the region. I would even say that this state of anxiety has become a chronic condition for Iran. Iran is jealous of Azerbaijan solving its problems. Because the regime believes that if Azerbaijan has solved the Karabakh problem, the issue of the "South Azerbaijan" is also on the agenda.
In addition, Iran is one of the main parties opposing the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. In particular, the fact that Azerbaijan has close relations with strong partners in the region, such as Turkiye and Israel, worries Iran. Iran believes that the Zangezur Corridor can diminish its transit importance and create a "Turkish Strip" in the northern region that will extend eastwards. Thus, all this is manifested in Iran's current position as a reason."
By Elnur Enveroglu
