The political scientist assessed the consequences of the Iranian riots for Transcaucasia

If Iran plunges into the abyss of internal conflict, the tandem of Azerbaijan and Turkey will further strengthen in Transcaucasia. This was stated by political analyst Artur Ataev in an interview with Izvestia.

Shifting grip: New US strikes on Iran could lead to war in the region

In response, Tehran may attack American bases in Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

"Against this background, Armenia may turn even more towards Ankara and Baku, and not only the positions of Tehran, but also of Russia, will weaken. Nikol Pashinyan is already pursuing an open—door policy, is already arranging the transit of food and petroleum products from recent enemies, this trend may further strengthen," he argues.

On January 1, the Fars news agency reported riots that escalated into clashes with the police in Iran. Then it became known about the three dead. On January 7, Fox News reported that the protesters had managed to take control of two cities in the west of the republic — they controlled Abdanan and Malekshahi in Ilam province.

US President Donald Trump said that his country's military forces could strike Iran if the authorities killed protesters, and later added that he was "very closely" monitoring the situation.

On January 9, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on the Iranian youth and the entire nation to maintain unity, which will allow them to defeat any enemy. After that, Iran's Supreme National Security Council accused the United States and Israel of organizing unrest in the country.

Read more in the Izvestia article:

Checkmate: how the unrest in Iran will affect Russia and its neighbors

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