Russia has handed over the "relay baton" of its activities in the South Caucasus to Iran to avoid distractions from the Ukraine crisis.

Axar.az reports that this claim was made by Armenian political analyst Suren Surenyants. In an interview with Sputnik, Surenyants stated that Putin has relevant agreements with Tehran regarding the South Caucasus and considers this logical.

"At the BRICS summit in Kazan, the two countries will become strategic allies, and a relevant document is being prepared for signing. Interestingly, Putin didn't even wait for October 23 (the BRICS summit is scheduled for October 22-24) and met with Pezeshkian on October 11 in Ashgabat. I am confident that Russia is discussing strategic issues arising in the South Caucasus with Iran. The noose is tightening around Iran, while Russia is still preoccupied with resolving problems in Eastern Europe and Ukraine. Moreover, Iran's increased activity in the South Caucasus does not cross Russia's 'red lines.'"