BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 8. Normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran depends on Iran, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency, political expert Rufiz Hafizoglu said during on the ARB24 TV channel, Trend reports.
"The current state of relations with neighboring Iran is regrettable. Azerbaijan is not to blame for this, it were the steps taken by the Iranian regime against the independence and statehood of Azerbaijan," he said.
Hafizoglu noted that religious issues that exist inside Iran also do not contribute to the restoration of relations between the two neighboring countries.
"There are dozens, hundreds of Azerbaijani people in Iran who have been brainwashed with religious fanaticism. They will gradually be used for certain purposes. But Iran's spy network in Azerbaijan has deeper roots. Our special services are working and exposing these people," he said.
Hafizoglu pointed out that the tension in relations between Azerbaijan and Iran began after the second Karabakh war.
"The reason lies in Iran. Normalization of relations depends not on Azerbaijan, but on Iran. Iran will carry out propaganda against Azerbaijan at any opportunity, both on the territory of our country and abroad. We are ready for such steps, and an adequate response will be given through diplomatic channels," he added.