The Role of the United States of America in the Securitization of Iran-Azerbaijan Relations

Hedayati Shahidani, Mehdi; Mehdipour, Amir Hossein; Jalaee, Mohammad

doi:10.22034/csiw.2026.736815

The Role of the United States of America in the Securitization of Iran-Azerbaijan Relations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mehdi Hedayati Shahidani ¹

Amir Hossein Mehdipour ²

Mohammad Jalaee ³

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran

² PhD student in International Relations, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran

³ Faculty of Political Science and International Relations, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran

10.22034/csiw.2026.736815

Abstract

In the conflicts in the Caucasus, some extra-regional powers such as the United States are seeking to play a role in the equations of this region. The United States is trying to show its presence in support of Baku in a serious way in order to balance power with Iran and Russia in the Caucasus region. Accordingly, the main question of the article is what effect has the foreign policy of the United States had on the relations between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Caucasus region? In response to the above question, using the theoretical framework of the Copenhagen School, the hypothesis was tested that the United States plays a role in the security of relations between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan through arms and military support, investment and influence in the routes of energy transmission lines, as well as support for separatist and pan-Turkist movements. The main finding of the article is that the United States in the countries of the South Caucasus, especially the Republic of Azerbaijan, seeks to connect these countries to NATO and counter Iran's influence and influence in the region through a soft empowerment strategy.

Keywords

United States of America

Securitization

Islamic Republic of Iran

Republic of Azerbaijan

Soft Empowerment