Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Could Iran’s Azeris try to break away? As Iran reels from the aftermath of its recent war with Israel and the United States, questions are growing about the country's internal cohesion. Could ethnic fault lines start to crack open, especially in the Azeri-majority regions of northwestern Iran? With tens of millions of Iranian Azeris living near the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, and given their deep cultural and linguistic ties, is there a risk of separatist movements seeking independence or even unification with Baku? This video explores the historical, demographic, and geopolitical dimensions of the Azeri question in Iran.
This video traces the complex history of the Azeri population in Iran, their role in shaping the state, and Tehran’s longstanding fear of secession. While most Iranian Azeris have traditionally seen themselves as integral to the country, recent tensions—including deteriorating Iran-Azerbaijan relations and Israeli influence—raise concerns about potential unrest. Could Iran’s current instability revive suppressed nationalist sentiments? And if so, what role might outside powers play in encouraging separatism? Join us as we analyse whether the Azeri regions in Iran could become the next flashpoint in the Middle East and assess how likely it is that Tehran might face a serious internal challenge from this strategically vital community.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:43 Conflict and Separatism: The Azeris in Iran
01:39 The Azeri Population in Iran
02:48 The Partition of Azerbaijan Between Russia & Persia
05:08 The Azeris After the Iranian Revolution
06:35 The Political and Social Role of Azeris in Iran
10:29 Could Iran’s Azeris Break Away?
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g
youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#Iran #Azeris #Azerbaijan
Could Iran’s Azeris try to break away? As Iran reels from the aftermath of its recent war with Israel and the United States, questions are growing about the country's internal cohesion. Could ethnic fault lines start to crack open, especially in the Azeri-majority regions of northwestern Iran? With tens of millions of Iranian Azeris living near the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, and given their deep cultural and linguistic ties, is there a risk of separatist movements seeking independence or even unification with Baku? This video explores the historical, demographic, and geopolitical dimensions of the Azeri question in Iran.
This video traces the complex history of the Azeri population in Iran, their role in shaping the state, and Tehran’s longstanding fear of secession. While most Iranian Azeris have traditionally seen themselves as integral to the country, recent tensions—including deteriorating Iran-Azerbaijan relations and Israeli influence—raise concerns about potential unrest. Could Iran’s current instability revive suppressed nationalist sentiments? And if so, what role might outside powers play in encouraging separatism? Join us as we analyse whether the Azeri regions in Iran could become the next flashpoint in the Middle East and assess how likely it is that Tehran might face a serious internal challenge from this strategically vital community.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:43 Conflict and Separatism: The Azeris in Iran
01:39 The Azeri Population in Iran
02:48 The Partition of Azerbaijan Between Russia & Persia
05:08 The Azeris After the Iranian Revolution
06:35 The Political and Social Role of Azeris in Iran
10:29 Could Iran’s Azeris Break Away?
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g
youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#Iran #Azeris #Azerbaijan
