Azerbaijan finds itself precariously positioned between allies Turkey and Israel after the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, announced trade restrictions with Israel over its military operation in Gaza. The move comes as a protest against Israel’s actions, which have resulted in thousands of casualties in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The announcement has put Azerbaijan in a challenging diplomatic quandary. While the country enjoys close relations with Turkey as an ally, it has also benefited from crucial military hardware supplies from Israel during its recent war with Armenia to recapture occupied territories, including Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza presents a dilemma for Azerbaijan, which may be forced to choose between its two allies in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Complicating matters further is the involvement of Iran, a powerful neighbor with hostile relations towards Israel. Iran has vehemently denounced Azerbaijan’s close cooperation with Israel and has even conducted military drills along its border with Azerbaijan.

The tensions have escalated amid disputes over the proposed Zangezur corridor, which aims to link Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan through Armenian territories. Iran’s opposition to the corridor has further strained relations, as Azerbaijan struggles to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement with Armenia following their recent wars.

Azerbaijan’s diplomatic challenges are exacerbated by allegations of corruption and mismanagement within its foreign policy establishment, as well as its tense relations with the West. These factors have collectively placed the country in a precarious situation, caught between the conflicting interests of its allies and regional powers.

As the crisis unfolds, Azerbaijan’s ability to navigate the intricate web of geopolitical tensions will be put to the test. The country’s leadership must carefully balance its alliances and strategic interests while ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact.

The situation highlights the complexities of regional politics in the South Caucasus, where conflicting interests and historical grievances intersect, often leaving smaller nations like Azerbaijan caught in the crosshairs of larger power struggles.