Ties with anti-Iranian forces beneficial but not safe for Azerbaijan

February 20, 2012 - 15:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - In case of escalation of tensions in the region due to Iran’s nuclear program, Azerbaijan may address NATO to ensure security at border with Iran, Azerbaijani military expert said.

As Jasur Sumerinli noted, request for NATO assistance “meets the protocols ratified by Azerbaijan in the framework of the United Nations, as well as documents of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO,” SalamNews reports.

Apparently, NATO won’t protect Azeri borders due to mere “friendly intentions.” Border security is likely to be implemented in exchange for use of Azerbaijani territories as a springboard for attacking Iran. Baku doesn’t seem to oppose it due to recent deterioration of Azerbaijani-Iranian ties.

“Latest developments - current situation between official Baku and Tehran, statements by embassies of Israel, U.S. and Great Britain on security, spark a need to shift to enhanced cooperation between Azerbaijan and international organizations aimed at ensuring border security,” Sumerinli stated.

Close cooperation with anti-Iranian forces currently looks quite beneficial for Azerbaijan whish may be used as a cover for launching a war against Nagorno Karabakh and ceasing Iran’s northern region, “Southern Azerbaijan”.

Back in 2010, according to several media outlets, U.S. and Israeli armed forces were centered in Azerbaijani air force bases, ready to launch an offensive on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Moreover, Israel and the U.S. were said to have established an electronic surveillance base in Azerbaijan to follow developments in Iran. Prior to this, Azerbaijani parliament approved a new military doctrine allowing for deployment of foreign military bases in the country’s territory.

However, earlier IRGC Deputy Commander Hossein Salami said that Iranian armed forces will resort to retaliatory measures towards any state from the territory of which military strike on Iran is launched.

According to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran needs only 9 minutes to destroy Israel. What about Azerbaijan?