New Peace Deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia and Azerbaijan with the intervention of Russia have signed a peace deal on November 10, 2020, to end the ongoing conflict between both countries over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus.

Peace Deal

• According to the new deal, the countries will maintain the current positions they are holding. As Azerbaijan has reclaimed over 15-20% of its lost territory in the conflict, this pact will benefit Azerbaijan largely.
• The military operations of the countries are to be suspended and the Russian peace keepers are to be deployed in Lachin corridor and along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• The two sides will exchange prisoners.

Impact of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict on Iran

• Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but most of the region is controlled by Armenian separatists.While the area remains in Azerbaijan, it is today governed by separatist Armenians who have declared it a republic called the “Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast”. However, the Armenian government does not recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh and it supports the region politically and militarily.

The impact of the conflict on Iran:

• The terms of the ceasefire agreed on between Armenia and Azerbaijan represent a grave threat to Iran’s long-term strategic interests.
• As Azerbaijan has greater territory, it will give Israel access to more territory to monitor Iran.
• It will influence the Iranian people’s perception of their regime, as well as alter Iran’s policy toward Azerbaijan and Syria.