Iran mustering Georgia’s support to counter key players’ regional clout
Iran, which is witnessing Russia and Turkey’s
efforts to bolster their clout in the strategically important South
Caucasus region, has decided to follow suit. Tehran believes that a
special strategy should be adopted to ensure security in the
turbulent region.
Iran has always worked to resolve the Middle East, Caucasus and Persian Gulf regions’ problems through a strategic approach, the Secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said in a recent meeting with Georgia’s Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze in Tehran.
Jalili was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying that sustainable security will pave the way for the expansion of friendly relations among regional nations. "Integrity of regional countries’ interests necessitates boosting security cooperation."
Vashadze, for his part, praised Iran’s firm and balanced position on regional development. He said Tbilisi was ready for deepening its talks with Tehran on resolving problems facing the region as well as for all-out promotion of ties with the country.
Though the statements made by Jalili and Vashadze are rather formal, they primarily lead to the conclusion that Iran has no intention to turn a blind eye to the division of the spheres of influence in the South Caucasus region between Russia and Turkey and is seeking to undermine Moscow and Ankara’s plans. Tehran has therefore decided to negotiate with Georgia. The Iranian government realizes all too well that a Russian-Turkish rapprochement in the region would not benefit Tbilisi. It is for this reason that Georgia is supporting Iran’s initiative to adopt a separate strategy on regional security. However, given the Georgian leadership’s close ties with the United States, Tbilisi may, in fact, pull out of this game prematurely, analysts say.*
Iran has always worked to resolve the Middle East, Caucasus and Persian Gulf regions’ problems through a strategic approach, the Secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said in a recent meeting with Georgia’s Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze in Tehran.
Jalili was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying that sustainable security will pave the way for the expansion of friendly relations among regional nations. "Integrity of regional countries’ interests necessitates boosting security cooperation."
Vashadze, for his part, praised Iran’s firm and balanced position on regional development. He said Tbilisi was ready for deepening its talks with Tehran on resolving problems facing the region as well as for all-out promotion of ties with the country.
Though the statements made by Jalili and Vashadze are rather formal, they primarily lead to the conclusion that Iran has no intention to turn a blind eye to the division of the spheres of influence in the South Caucasus region between Russia and Turkey and is seeking to undermine Moscow and Ankara’s plans. Tehran has therefore decided to negotiate with Georgia. The Iranian government realizes all too well that a Russian-Turkish rapprochement in the region would not benefit Tbilisi. It is for this reason that Georgia is supporting Iran’s initiative to adopt a separate strategy on regional security. However, given the Georgian leadership’s close ties with the United States, Tbilisi may, in fact, pull out of this game prematurely, analysts say.*
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