Protests against the hijab ban in Azerbaijan are expanding as a social phenomenon. These protests began at School No. 69 in Baku and at the "Bey Sharif" secondary school in the Masalli district, gradually spreading to other schools as well. In this context, Iskander Momeni, Iran's Minister of Interior, has traveled to Baku at the invitation of his Azerbaijani counterpart.
War Against Individual Freedoms
In these protests, hijab-wearing students and teachers have been banned from entering schools, resulting in the closure of dozens of classes. This action has sparked public anger and dissatisfaction, turning the streets of Azerbaijan into a scene of protests. Given that about 65% of Azerbaijan's population are Shia Muslims, this issue has created even more sensitivities.
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Political and Security Consequences
The political system of Azerbaijan, which emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, is recognized as a non-democratic and secular regime. Its extensive relations with the Zionist regime have turned it into a security threat for Iran. According to reports, during the 12-day war, the skies of Azerbaijan were used as a base for conducting terrorist operations against Iran.
In this situation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's decision to send Iskander Momeni to Baku has raised questions about the logic and objectives of Tehran's policies towards Azerbaijan. It seems that Iran's diplomatic apparatus must closely monitor internal developments in Azerbaijan and consider that this visit may affect public sentiments towards Iran.
The Necessity of Justifying Public Opinion
The Iranian government must justify its relations with the Ilham Aliyev regime to public opinion. The frequency of contacts and meetings between Iran's President and Ilham Aliyev raises serious questions about the justification and goals of these policies. The issue is not merely establishing diplomatic relations with a neighboring country, but rather adjusting the level and depth of these relations at a time when Azerbaijan is recognized as a security partner for countries involved in the war against Iran, which is very significant.
Iran must not be indifferent to the sentiments and actions of the Muslim nations in the region. Activating and increasing the influence of Muslims, especially Shia Muslims in Azerbaijan, can help reduce security and political threats against Iran. Therefore, Iran's policies towards this country need to be adjusted more carefully, and political movements should be monitored and analyzed.
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