Abstract:

After the 1979 revolution, Iran adopted an Islamic ideology-based domestic and foreign policy. Within the framework of the policy he adopted, he did not adopt the approach he exhibited in the context of religion and Shiism in the Middle East by adopting a pragmatist attitude in the Caucasus and Central Asia. His pragmatist attitude is a reflection of his security and status quo attitude. Iran has been in favor of maintaining the current status quo against changes in the region that could threaten its national security. Azerbaijani Turks living in their country have affected Iran's approach to Azerbaijan. Therefore, its relations with Armenia are built on this reservation. The common problems of the two countries have led to the emergence of compulsory cooperation. Iran has adopted a policy that tries to balance Azerbaijan with Armenia. In addition, Iran, isolated from the international community, has tried to establish a close relationship with Georgia, which it sees in a strategic position to access the European Market. However, the two countries have developed a relationship in a cold, fluctuating trend. Iran has tried to keep pace with the new geopolitical equation taking place in the Caucasus with a security and cautious point of view by pushing its religious identity to the background. This situation has also been an indication that Iran has instrumentalized religion. In this study, Iran's approach to the South Caucasus and its relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia are examined.

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