Iran's interest in Karabakh conflict resolution

Iran is interested in a peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Iran officials think that a resolution of the conflict in Karabakh will lead to the opening of the railway connection between Iran and Russia though Azerbaijan. The railway was in active operation before the conflict started, but since then tracks have been destroyed making any connection impossible. Iran is trying to makes suggestions as to how to resolve the conflict without involving western powers, whereas the west is concerned about Iran’s increasing influence in different regions, in particular in the south Caucasus.

Moscow is supporting this initiative as it will indirectly result in Iran and Russia becoming the region’s major players.