Iranian—Armenian foreign relations since independence of Armenia

Abstract

The Master’s Essay has a purpose to illustrate Iranian-Armenian foreign relations since independence of Armenia. Armenia-Iran relations were affected by different factors. Some of them were in favor for Armenian-Iranian relations. Iran sought to improve relations with Christian Armenia, fearing the Azerbaijani irredentism and also was against to have strong oil-rich Azerbaijan on its northern border. Iran also sought to contain Turkish influence in the Caucasus and found Armenia as an ally in this. At the same time, domestic factors in Iran also favor support for Armenia. Meanwhile, during the last years such international factors as strained US-Iranian relations affected on Iran-Armenia ties. We cannot ignore Russia’s factor analyzing relations between these two countries. So, the Master’s Thesis at first briefly discusses the major trends of Iranian foreign policy toward Caucasus after the breakdown of Soviet Union. Then the paper concentrate on the common strategic and security concerns of Iran and Armenia. The major focus is Azerbaijani factor in the relations between Armenia and Iran. The paper analyzes Iran’s role as Mediator in the Nagorno-Karabagh crisis; its motives for mediation in the conflict; the consequences of the mediation. My discussion includes the reasons for West’s antagonistic attitude toward Iran and how it affect on Armenia from expanding ties with Iran. Also the paper examines Russian factor in Iran-Armenia relations. After all Essay comes up with the policy suggestions, which will further improve relations between these neighboring countries.