Sun May 18 18:27:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from an Indian perspective as requested:
**Headline: Iran and Azerbaijan Boost Ties with Joint Military Drills, Despite Lingering Tensions**
**New Delhi, May 18, 2025:** Iran and Azerbaijan have commenced joint military exercises, dubbed “Aras-2025,” marking a significant step in improving relations after a period of strain. The drills, which involve the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and Azerbaijani troops, are taking place in the Karabakh region, which was the subject of dispute with Armenia until 2023, according to Iranian state media.
This development comes just weeks after a visit to Baku by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where he emphasized the importance of strategic relations across all areas with Azerbaijan. The exercises, scheduled to run through May 21, are officially aimed at bolstering border security and addressing potential threats, according to Brigadier General Vali Madani of the Guards’ ground forces.
The joint exercise and high-level visit signal a thaw in relations that were previously tested by Azerbaijan’s close ties with Israel and a deadly attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran in 2023. While Baku reopened its embassy in mid-2024, tensions remain regarding strategic regional projects.
Of particular note is Iran’s opposition to the proposed Zangezur corridor, which would connect Azerbaijan with Turkiye along Iran’s border with Armenia. This corridor is viewed with concern in Tehran, adding a layer of complexity to the burgeoning relationship.
This isn’t the first sign of cooperation between the two nations as in November, Iran and Azerbaijan held a joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea, signaling a continued effort to enhance collaboration in security matters. While challenges remain, especially regarding regional geopolitics, these joint exercises represent a tangible effort to rebuild trust and cooperation between the two neighbors.
First Piper 