Iran-Azerbaijan security and regional relations

In late September 2026, Mohsen Rezaee, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafazadeh to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. Rezaee criticized recent military actions by the United States and Israel, describing the U.S. position under Donald Trump as a “quagmire” and characterizing aerial blockades as acts of desperation. He also expressed Iran’s willingness to support peace in the Caucasus.

Mustafazadeh responded by calling Iran a “friend and brother” to Azerbaijan and denied rumors that Azerbaijani territory would be used against Iran. He noted Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace and welcomed Iran’s potential role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

By mid-October, security concerns influenced Iranian domestic administration. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s planned official visit to East Azerbaijan was modified following consultations with senior military and security officials and the Supreme National Security Council. While the President did not attend in person, the President’s Executive Deputy was scheduled to represent him to implement provincial development resolutions via webinar.