The second Karabakh conflict and its consequences on national security Islamic Republic of Iran

The second war between Azerbaijan and Armenia ended in a ceasefire after 44 days in September 2020 with the mediation of Russia. This article deals with the impact of the Karabakh war and the agreement reached on Iran's national interests. With this main question, what effects and consequences did it have for the security and national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran? According to the findings of the article, the disruption of the balance of power in the South Caucasus and the resulting cease-fire agreement have had positive and negative effects on the interests and security of the Islamic Republic of Iran in different dimensions, the most important of which are: the greater role of Russia in the northwestern borders of Iran. The possibility of the geography of the conflict moving away from Iran's borders is Iran's acquisition of bordering lands and reconnection of the relatively long border with Azerbaijan and the like. The most important strategies facing Iran in facing the aforementioned crisis include adopting neutral positions and at the same time playing the role of active mediation to maintain and fulfill Iran's strategic position to the conflicting parties and regional actors. Active presence in newly liberated areas, increasing transportation and transit routes with the Republic of Azerbaijan, especially in newly liberated areas.