Netanyahu’s planned Baku visit rattles Tehran amid shifting regional dynamics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected visit to Baku signals a deepening strategic alignment between Israel, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, with potentially far-reaching consequences for Iran’s regional posture, The Jerusalem Post reported.

While the date of the visit has not been confirmed, official sources say it is imminent. Analysts view the move as highlighting Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a bridge between Israel and Turkey, particularly in relation to post-Assad Syria.

Tehran reportedly sees this alignment as a threat to its influence in the Caucasus and Levant. With Iran’s position in Syria weakening amid Israeli strikes and declining Russian involvement due to the war in Ukraine, Baku’s growing cooperation with Israel and Ankara poses a direct challenge to Iranian interests.

The article notes that Iran has strengthened ties with Armenia in response, conducting joint military drills and warning against “foreign-designed border changes.” Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s close military and intelligence ties with Israel, and potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords, mark it as a key regional player aligned with Western interests.

The evolving axis of Baku, Jerusalem, and Ankara could reshape the region’s power balance, analysts say, as Tehran risks losing its corridor to Lebanon and its strategic foothold in Syria.

(Reporing by N.Tebrizli)