Turkey, Iran, and the Wider Regional Dimension

The war affected the security interests of neighboring countries.

Turkey

Turkey developed close political and diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan after the Soviet collapse.

The two countries shared linguistic and cultural ties, and Turkish public opinion strongly supported Azerbaijan's territorial claims.

In 1993, Turkey closed its land border with Armenia amid the conflict and Armenian advances into Azerbaijani districts.

Turkey did not enter the First Nagorno-Karabakh War as a direct belligerent, although it provided political support to Azerbaijan and maintained close regional security interests.

The closed Armenian-Turkish border became a lasting consequence of the conflict.

Iran

Iran shared borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and areas affected by the war.

It sought to prevent instability along its northern frontier.

Iran attempted mediation in 1992 and provided humanitarian assistance during periods of displacement.

The Iranian-sponsored Tehran agreement in May 1992 did not prevent the subsequent escalation of fighting.

Iran's role was complicated by its own large Azerbaijani-speaking population, regional security concerns, and its desire to maintain relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

International actors

The United States, European states, and international organizations became increasingly involved through diplomacy and humanitarian assistance.

However, no outside power succeeded in negotiating a comprehensive political settlement during the war.