Ahmad Hashemi: In the 40 Years Following the Revolution, the Azerbaijani Movement Took on a Secular Character

Dilshad Aliyarli – Voice of America – March 1, 2019


Amid sharp criticisms over the collapse of the international nuclear agreement and escalating tensions with the United States, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani faces growing anger from hardliners and other clerical factions. Although this week Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced his resignation on social media, Hassan Rouhani did not accept it. These developments come at a time when the Islamic Revolution in Iran marks its 40th anniversary. Iran analyst Ahmad Hashemi discussed recent political developments in Iran, the situation of Azerbaijanis, the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Republic, and the historical lessons to be drawn during an interview on Voice of America’s American Review program.

According to Ahmad Hashemi, a former employee of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Foreign Minister Javad Zarif is perceived in the West as a more moderate politician, it should not be overlooked that the final decisions in Iran are made by the Supreme Leader.

"Zarif can be called a moderate. But the reality is that the Supreme Leader makes the final decisions. After the sanctions, the Supreme Leader decided that Iran should open up to the world somewhat. He created the conditions and paved the way for Rouhani's administration and Zarif to show a more 'friendly face' of Iran to the world so that the pressures on us would diminish to some extent."

Touching on recent calls among hardliners for Hassan Rouhani’s resignation, Ahmad Hashemi noted that removing Rouhani from office is not currently a priority for the Tehran regime.

"The primary priority is to reach agreements with Russia, China, and particularly the European Union against these sanctions led by the United States. Specifically, Iran's priorities are the mechanisms Europe is introducing to facilitate Iran's financial transactions. Removing Rouhani from power and bringing someone else in is not the focus."

Ahmad Hashemi highlighted the pressures faced by minorities in Iran amidst recent political developments. However, he expressed regret that even the main opposition forces to the Iranian regime maintain rigid stances on the democratic demands and rights of ethnic minorities.

"We know that if this regime opposes these demands and democratic aspirations, there are two main groups in the opposition – the People's Mojahedin and monarchists – and unfortunately, they view Azerbaijanis' demands and aspirations even more harshly."

Ahmad Hashemi stated that Azerbaijanis dissatisfied with the current regime in Iran are also troubled by the stance of the opposition. According to him, major opposition groups view the Azerbaijani issue and the Turkish language as threats.

Ahmad Hashemi emphasized that over the 40 years following the Islamic Revolution, the Azerbaijani national movement has transitioned from being religiously driven to being based on secular principles.

"Azerbaijanis supported and participated in the Islamic Revolution because they placed great importance on Shi’a Islam. They were part of it, supported it, and assisted it. But gradually, they distanced themselves from it, and it is very encouraging that the new Azerbaijani movement, especially over the past 20-30 years, has been a secular movement, not one rooted in Shi’ism, religion, or faith. At that time, however, it wasn’t like that. Back then, Azerbaijanis also participated in Shi’ism and supported the Iranian Revolution within that framework. But now, a significant majority is not satisfied with this, and they advance their rights and demands within a secular framework. In the new movement, religion no longer plays a significant role."

Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Əhməd Haşimi: İnqilabdan sonrakı 40 ildə azərbaycanlıların hərəkatı dünyəvi xarakter aldı