Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Baku — A course toward rapprochement in a changing regional landscape

The visit of Islamic Republic of Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan became his first foreign visit after taking office and sparked lively reactions both in the region and beyond. This event is perceived not simply as a polite diplomatic gesture, but as a starting signal for possible changes in Iran's foreign policy strategy, especially regarding the South Caucasus.
Against the backdrop of years of cooling in Iran-Azerbaijan relations, Pezeshkian's visit is seen as the first serious attempt at détente. Importantly, the Iranian President himself called this visit "a prerequisite for opening new horizons of cooperation," clearly indicating the priority of good-neighborly and pragmatic relations.
Baku as a Center of Regional Attraction
Baku is steadily transforming into a multi-level strategic platform for the region, combining the functions of energy, transport, political, and cultural center. Over the past two decades, Azerbaijan, thanks to its well-thought-out foreign policy and investments in infrastructure, has managed to become a key player in projects connecting East and West — especially within the framework of the Middle Corridor initiative (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route).
For Iran, experiencing a prolonged period of sanctions pressure and international isolation, Azerbaijan is becoming a vitally important neighboring partner through which it can gain access to the Black Sea basin, the Eurasian market, and transport flows from China. Particularly important are the prospects of connecting the Iranian "North-South" transport project with Azerbaijani corridors — as an alternative to unstable routes through the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Poetry as Diplomacy: A Poem in the Azerbaijani Language
A significant episode of the visit was Masoud Pezeshkian's performance, in which he publicly recited a poem in the Azerbaijani language — native to millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran, as well as the president himself. This action became not just a symbolic gesture of courtesy, but a finely calibrated political and cultural message.
Firstly, it signals a possible softening of Tehran's rhetoric on the Azerbaijani issue within Iran, especially in light of the fact that Pezeshkian himself is a representative of the Azerbaijani people and is known for his moderate and conciliatory position. Secondly, this act conveyed a message of unity and respect for shared history, culture, and language, which can lay the foundation for cultural diplomacy between the countries. Against the backdrop of previous years, when the Iranian side expressed concern about the growth of Turkic Azerbaijani influence and statements about "Pan-Turkism," this poetic gesture became a relief of tension and a gesture of trust.
In an interview with a YouTube channel, former Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Iran Javanshir Akhundov gave a detailed assessment of the visit. In his opinion, the very choice of Baku as the first destination for an international visit reflects the Iranian leadership's recognition of Azerbaijan's strategic importance. Akhundov noted that Iran is experiencing a deep economic and political crisis, and the new administration is looking for a more rational and constructive path in regional politics. He also emphasized that Pezeshkian's visit has the potential to lay the groundwork for systemic dialogue, especially in the areas of logistics, trade, security, and culture. Akhundov believes that the public display of respect for the Azerbaijani language and identity indicates a possible change in tone in Tehran's policy, which, however, still depends on the balance of power within the Iranian elite. Akhundov also pointed to the need for a balanced approach, emphasizing that there are political groups in Iran that view deepening relations with Azerbaijan with certain restraint. It should be noted that if political will is backed by actions, then in the foreseeable future, development can be expected in the following areas: infrastructure and transport integration, joint economic projects and energy, coordination in humanitarian and educational spheres, security and cross-border interaction.
Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Baku became an important turning point that could either become a starting point for sustainable dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation or remain a single episode of diplomatic courtesy. Everything depends on how ready Tehran is for internal reforms and rethinking its role in the region. Azerbaijan, in turn, has shown that it is ready to play the role of a responsible and influential regional leader, capable of turning even cultural gestures into instruments of diplomacy. Baku has strengthened its image as a bridge platform between civilizations, interests, and identities, offering a space for constructive dialogue, including with Tehran.
Gulnara Safarli

SR-CENTER.INFO