16:03 - 16.01.2026

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January 16, Fineko/abc.az. - (special news) - Certain consequences of the protests that began in Iran at the end of December are inevitable for the region. It is possible that the processes will have both political and economic consequences for the region.

Expert economist Khalid Kerimli stated to ABC.AZ that economic ties between Azerbaijan and Iran are small, Iran is important to us mainly in the context of transit and relations with Nakhchivan, and the imposition of Western and U.S. sanctions has prevented us from establishing serious relations with them so far. According to the economist, there are currently a number of difficulties with Iran: "Currently, there are serious problems with transit through Iran, money transfers are impossible, it is difficult to do this with the help of excessively complex structures. In addition, America has caused us serious problems with the sanctions against Iran. Amid the ongoing processes in this country, Iran's influence on the Azerbaijani economy is negative. And, unfortunately, this negative effect is long-term, and not only today. It is impossible to pay for goods from Iran in American dollars or euros. Buyers also pay in cash and often resort to any means to avoid paying."

Recalling that Azerbaijan imports from Iran, Kerimli noted that current events may create problems with the supply of goods from the neighboring state: "Azerbaijan mainly purchases agricultural products, food, dairy products, dried fruits, as well as various industrial goods from Iran. Iran has significant economic potential. For Azerbaijan, especially in the areas I have mentioned, there may be interruptions in the supply of certain goods. Everything will depend on how long these events will last and how deeply they will affect the processes. If the situation is resolved in the short term, there will be no serious problems. But if the tensions and unrest in Iran drag on for a long time, this will lead to an increase in the cost of products in these spheres, since the delivery of goods from alternative markets does not occur instantly. An entrepreneur will never leave a cheap and convenient option for a more expensive and inconvenient one.

In addition, part of the Azerbaijan–Turkey trade and Azerbaijan–Nakhchivan ties pass through Iran. In other words, from this angle, Azerbaijan's trade with China is also mainly carried out through the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Iran is important to us not only as an economic partner, but also as a logistical channel. In the investment and energy sectors, this is less noticeable, but in trade, logistics, and import-export operations, the impact will be very noticeable, and the negative consequences will be felt. Our exports are in such a deplorable state that we are practically unable to export anything except oil and gas."

 

By Elmir Murad