By News Desk 
In a surprising diplomatic shift, Azerbaijan, often referred to as Pakistan’s brother nation, has refrained from siding with Iran in a recent wave of international protests against Israel. On Tuesday, June 17, 21 Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions — but Azerbaijan was notably absent from the list.
Interestingly, while Azerbaijan chose silence, its long-time adversary Armenia openly declared support for Iran, further intensifying the geopolitical narrative.
Who Supported Iran?
According to Iran’s state-backed Mehr News Agency, the 21 countries that publicly backed Iran include:
Iraq, Libya, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Chad, and the UAE, among others.
These nations jointly criticized Israel’s actions, aligning themselves with Iran’s stance on the issue.
Turkey Playing a Dual Game with Iran?
While Turkey officially condemned attacks on Iran, reports suggest a deeper agenda. Behind the scenes, Ankara is reportedly working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, while also aiming to broker a U.S.-approved peace deal between Iran and Israel.
Although Iran has not publicly responded to Turkey’s dual approach, all eyes are now on Azerbaijan, whose actions have raised more eyebrows.
Why Did Azerbaijan Stay Silent on Iran?
There are several possible reasons for Azerbaijan’s noticeable absence from the pro-Iranian coalition:
- Economic Ties with Israel:
Azerbaijan has a significant oil trade relationship with Israel. According to Haaretz, Azerbaijan exported 1 million tons of oil to Israel last year and is planning to continue this trade. Publicly supporting Iran could jeopardize this lucrative partnership. - Geopolitical Rivalry with Armenia:
Armenia, Azerbaijan’s historical rival, has openly backed Iran. This likely influenced Azerbaijan’s decision to avoid aligning with Iran, especially given the tense history and ongoing border disputes. - Internal Military Engagements:
Azerbaijan is currently entangled in its own military concerns, and joining a Middle Eastern conflict could stretch its resources and further complicate domestic security issues.
Only 21 of 57 Muslim Nations Stand with Iran
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) consists of 57 member countries, yet only 21 have voiced support for Iran.
This raises questions about growing divisions within the Islamic world.
Notable absentees include:
- Bangladesh
- Syria
These countries have not issued any collective or individual statement in Iran’s favor, despite the mounting regional tensions.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan’s refusal to support Iran underscores the complex web of diplomacy, trade, and regional politics that shapes alliances in the Middle East. While many expected Azerbaijan to stand by Iran due to religious and regional commonalities, its strategic interests—particularly energy exports and geopolitical alignments—have taken precedence. This latest development highlights a broader fragmentation among Muslim-majority nations, even within the OIC, when it comes to united stances on Israel or Iran.