Iran compelled to develop dialogue with Azerbaijan – Pyotr Kolchin

Political scientist and military expert Pyotr Kolchin spoke to Alpha News about the announcement that Azerbaijan and Iran have completed construction of the Agbend–Kelale road bridge across the Araks River. According to him, this reflects Tehran’s pragmatic approach to regional politics and its effort to build new logistical and economic ties under external pressure.

“Overall, this event clearly illustrates the current dynamics in the South Caucasus. Iran, constrained by the United States through the Persian Gulf and by Washington’s growing presence in Armenia, is compelled to develop dialogue with other neighbors, including Azerbaijan. Pashinyan’s policies leave Tehran virtually no alternative. Iran is trying to strengthen its position, reinforce logistics, and for that reason is forced to engage in dialogue with Aliyev,” Kolchin said.

The political scientist noted that this could shift the balance of relations in the region and prompt Tehran to reassess its approach to cooperation with Yerevan.

“For Armenia, this risks a further cooling of relations with Iran, which increasingly views it not as a friend and partner, but as a potential threat, a possible platform for advancing hostile US interests,” Kolchin concluded.