Does Tehran view the Caucasus countries as natural allies?
I believe that there is a sense of closeness, both historically, culturally and even religiously speaking with these regions, but I dont think that at present these countries as considered as natural allies of Iran. The relations that have developed over the last fifteen years or so are relatively limited. Iranian thought that there would be constant interaction but, for political and international geopolitical reasons, interaction has been limited. Iranian foreign policy suffers from a blatant lack of legibility. Some put this down to the difficulties experienced by the authorities in explaining their aims, while others believe it is due to the multiplicity of those in power. Is this last point observed in the policies that are carried out in the Caucasus and Central Asia? The Iranian political system is relatively multi-facetted in its conception of foreign policy. However, on the important issues, the policy to be carried out is based on the guidelines given by the Revolution Guide.
