Azerbaijan fears Islamist influence from the Tehran regime..

By JNS

After 30 years of diplomatic relations and amid tensions with Iran, Azerbaijan has decided to open an embassy in Israel, media in the South Caucasus nation reported.

Arzu Naghiyev, a lawmaker and member of the Azerbaijan-Israel parliamentary friendship group, told his country’s Pravda news site last week that “there is already a decision” and that “the opening of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Israel can only be delayed by technical reasons.”

The lawmaker also mentioned Iran opening a new consulate and establishing close ties with Armenia, with which Azerbaijan fought a war in 2020.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited Azerbaijan early last month to discuss security and policy and foster security cooperation.

Gantz met with Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, during his visit.

Last April, Azerbaijan opened a tourism office in Israel for the first time and signed a cooperation agreement. The month also marked the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Both Israel and Azerbaijan see Iran as a threat. Azerbaijan fears Islamist influence.