Iranian President Describes Azerbaijan as a "Second Homeland" for Iranians

Iranian President Describes Azerbaijan as a "Second Homeland" for Iranians

According to a report by the Tehran Times, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a recent interview with Azerbaijan Television (AzTV), reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, particularly emphasizing respect for the rights of all nations and territorial integrity, which he described as “the first and foremost principle of international law.”

Highlighting the deep cultural and historical ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, President Pezeshkian referred to Azerbaijan as a "second homeland" for Iranians. Speaking ahead of his upcoming official visit to Azerbaijan, he expressed a strong sense of familiarity and kinship, saying,
“We are traveling to Azerbaijan because we never feel like foreigners there... even if walls exist between neighbors, they still live together.”

His remarks come in the context of the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, where he stressed Iran’s neutral and mediating role in promoting a peaceful resolution in the region. Pezeshkian noted that adherence to these core principles is essential for maintaining regional stability and preventing conflicts stemming from territorial ambitions.
He stated:
“We must respect each other’s territorial integrity and should not harbor any greed for another’s land.”

Addressing the specific Armenia-Azerbaijan dispute, President Pezeshkian reiterated that such conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect for boundaries. He warned against any unilateral attempts to seize territory, saying:
“Disputes begin when one side tries to occupy the land of another.”

He affirmed that Iran supports the peace process between the two nations and is working within internationally recognized legal frameworks to help resolve tensions between Baku and Yerevan.

Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran has always stood for Azerbaijan’s rights, while also respecting Armenia’s rights within the same framework of international law and sovereignty:
“We have always supported Azerbaijan’s rights, and within the same framework, we support Armenia’s rights as well.”

Envisioning a future of mutual development, he emphasized the potential for cooperation in science, economy, industry, culture, health, medicine, and trade, stating:
“With the capabilities and expertise we possess, we can help one another.”

President Pezeshkian also expressed optimism regarding a key infrastructure project connecting Azerbaijan’s mainland with the Nakhchivan region through Iranian territory. He said the project is progressing rapidly and that an agreement has already been reached:
“This project is moving ahead quickly. Agreement has been reached, and there will be no problem in creating a land link between Azerbaijan’s mainland and Nakhchivan through Iranian territory.”

He noted that the railway connection currently under discussion would further strengthen trade, cultural, and economic ties, while also becoming part of the larger North-South Transport Corridor.