Russia Says it Hopes Azerbaijan and Iran Resolve ‘Frictions’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow, Russia March 29, 2023. (Reuters)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow, Russia March 29, 2023. (Reuters)
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Russia Says it Hopes Azerbaijan and Iran Resolve ‘Frictions’

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow, Russia March 29, 2023. (Reuters)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow, Russia March 29, 2023. (Reuters)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that he hoped what he called "frictions" between Azerbaijan and Iran would soon be resolved.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, which has a large population of ethnic Azeris in its northwest, have been strained in recent months after Baku announced plans to open formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

Azerbaijan's State Security Service said on Wednesday that it was investigating "a terror attack" after a lawmaker with strong anti-Iranian views was wounded in a gun attack at his home.



Araghchi: Syrian Army Defeat a Wake-Up Call for Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
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Araghchi: Syrian Army Defeat a Wake-Up Call for Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran, December 30, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Syrian army’s defeat and the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as a “wake-up call” for Iran and its military forces.

He emphasized the need for a dual focus on media efforts alongside diplomatic and field operations.

Araghchi called for coordination between the Revolutionary Guards’ field activities and the diplomatic efforts of the Foreign Ministry, marking the second time in a week he addressed this issue.

He stated that part of the resistance strategy is “resistance diplomacy.”

Araghchi voiced strong support for the Revolutionary Guards’ regional activities, stating that “military strength opens the door for diplomacy.”

He noted the recent practical demonstration of collaboration between the field and diplomacy, citing the country’s political landscape in recent months, reported Revolutionary Guards media.

Iran’s influence in the Middle East has suffered setbacks, particularly following Israeli attacks on its allies—Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah—and the subsequent collapse of Assad’s regime in Syria.

Araghchi also discussed the role of slain General Qassem Soleimani, the Revolutionary Guards’ former Quds Force commander tasked with external operations, in expanding the “Resistance Front,” especially in supporting the region’s groups, prior to his assassination in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump in January 2020.

The foreign minister stated that the resistance front has consistently evolved throughout its existence, insisting that enemies should not perceive recent setbacks as a sign of weakness.

“On the contrary, this approach will grow stronger and larger,” he said, referring to the deaths of key leaders within the “Axis of Resistance,” including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut in September.

Araghchi also remarked that the blow to the Syrian army was “more psychological and media-driven than military,” adding that the Syrian army was defeated even before engaging in battle and was unable to withstand the pressure.