Egypt’s leading Al-Qahera TV hosted a debate on the U.S.-Iran confrontation, its impact on the global economy, European and Asian security, energy markets, and the positions of regional countries. The discussion featured political analyst Ahmad Shahidov, speaking from Washington, D.C., and strategic affairs expert Gaurav Goel from New Delhi.
During the debate, Ahmad Shahidov stated that Azerbaijan has pursued a balanced and multi-vector foreign policy for many years. According to him, Baku has built relations with the United States, China, Russia, Iran, Türkiye, as well as European and Asian countries on the basis of mutual respect and national interests. Shahidov emphasized that this approach enables Azerbaijan to remain outside geopolitical confrontations while safeguarding its national security and contributing to regional stability.
The political analyst also stressed that Azerbaijan supports a swift de-escalation of tensions surrounding Iran. He noted that the conflict is unfolding near Azerbaijan’s borders, creating potential security concerns for the country. According to Shahidov, any expansion of the war could trigger the movement of millions of refugees toward Azerbaijan’s borders, posing significant economic and social challenges.
Ahmad Shahidov further highlighted Azerbaijan’s potential role as a mediator. He stated that Azerbaijan maintains constructive relations with both the United States and Iran, making Baku a credible venue for dialogue. Recalling that previous U.S.-Iran talks had taken place in Oman, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia without producing substantial results, Shahidov said that, if both parties are willing, Azerbaijan could offer to host future negotiations in Baku and provide a reliable platform for dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
