Axar.az presents an interview with Russian political analyst Yevgeny Mikhailov:

– The Iran-Israel conflict. What happens next? Will the regime in Iran change, or will this war also turn into a prolonged conflict?

– I really hope the conflict ends within a week at most, although everything suggests that Iran is ready to fight to the end for its ideals and its position in the international community. Israel’s goal is to change the regime in Iran, but I doubt that will happen. Israel’s treacherous attack on Iran could actually unite the population, despite the fact that there are many sabotage groups in Iran hired by Mossad, who are stirring up the situation. Frankly, those who hope Iran will simply give in are hoping in vain. A solution will be found, and a worthy response will be given to Israel. I truly hope so, because Israel has overstepped too many boundaries.

– All global attention is now focused on the Middle East. How will this affect the situation in Ukraine?

– It is absolutely clear that there is already a sharp shift in international attention away from the conflict in Ukraine. Russia continues to destroy key military infrastructure of the Kyiv regime. In recent days, a significant number of Patriot air defense systems have been destroyed, and no one seems willing to supply more for now. The main burden was on the U.S., but now the U.S. is stepping back, as it needs to support Israel. The European Union is not rushing to help Israel, but it will still be forced to act, because the Jewish lobby in Europe is very strong. Europe is clearly distracted by this conflict. Accordingly, the Kyiv regime will receive less and less support, while Russia will continue its mission, carry out the special military operation, and force the Kyiv regime to surrender.

– Azerbaijan is a neighbor of Iran. Considering that Azerbaijan’s airspace remains the only corridor connecting Europe with Asia, how will this affect Azerbaijan?

– Azerbaijan will face a very difficult situation if Iran loses or if the military conflict escalates. It will need to monitor the refugee situation. This is a serious matter, in fact. In any case, Baku must adopt a neutral stance, and moreover—despite some contradictions with Iran and its friendship with Israel—it is not in Baku’s interest to express a clear position on the conflict. It is also obvious that this is not in Turkiye’s interest either, despite Ankara’s loud statements.

So the situation is difficult and could lead to the entire Middle East erupting in flames. Pakistan has nuclear weapons and has already stated its position: if Iran is attacked, Pakistan will strike Israel. That’s why the Azerbaijani leadership must remain clear-headed and focus even more on national security. Israel has shown the international community that rules no longer exist—today you’re friends, tomorrow you’re not. And again, one shouldn’t have illusions that there are no intelligence groups already present in Azerbaijan that could launch an attack. Preparations must be made. Armenia will also be shaken —of that I have no doubt. If Iran falls, the situation will seriously affect the South Caucasus. Georgia will be shaken as well.