How Russian-Iranian cooperation impacts the South Caucasus? Experts’ opinions

Russia and Iran may cooperate in the spheres of economy and energy, but there are many difficulties with regard to implementation of major joint energy projects by the two countries, Sevak Sarukhanyan, an expert on Iran, said today during discussion in Yerevan about the impact of Russian-Iranian cooperation on the South Caucasus.

According to him, Iran uses its energy opportunities in negotiations with the European Union and is more interested in attracting European companies to Iran.

“This will reinforce Iran’s position in Europe, accelerate the lifting of sanctions, and also contribute to the introduction of new technology in Iran’s energy sector,” Sarukhanyan said.

As for political cooperation of Iran and Russia, the deputy director of Caucasus Institute, political scientist Sergei Minasyan noted that the positions of the two countries coincide on many geopolitical issues, in particular the situation in the Middle East.

“In this respect there has been a serious rapprochement between Tehran and Moscow, one can say that a situational military-political alliance has emerged,” he said adding that this fact has an impact on the region as a whole and Armenia in particular.

Head of the Atlantic Council of Georgia, ex-defense minister of that country David Sikharulidze said for his part that Russia’s increasing role in the region does not stem from Georgia’s interests.