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Asbarez.com

Iran Again Highlights Need to Respect Armenia’s Territorial Integrity

by Asbarez Staff

January 3, 2024

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, Top Stories

A cargo terminal at a border crossing with Iran

 

Iran, once again, challenged Baku’s ongoing insistence to create a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhichevan, saying that preserving the territorial integrity of countries in the region is of utmost importance.

In an interview with Armenia’s Public Television, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani emphasized that Iran’s position on regional developments has not changed.

“We are against any geopolitical changes in the region. Changing borders is a ‘red line’ for us, which was announced at the highest level in Iran and no one can deviate from this position,” the ambassador said.

“An extraterritorial corridor through the territory of one of the countries in the region makes no sense. Transport routes in each country are that nation’s sovereign affair. I believe that the establishment of an extraterritorial corridor on the territory of Armenia has nothing to do with international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” Sobhani said when asked to clarify Tehran’s position on the continued insistence by Ankara and Baku on the so-called corridor.

At the same time, Sobhani wondered whether those states that are talking about an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia are really ready to allow similar routes to be laid through the territory of their country.

“I think that the answer can only be no. Therefore, they should not expect from others what they would not want in their case,” Sobhani added.

The Iranian ambassador also discussed Tehran’s position on the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians, and categorically condemned military responses to regional problems.

“We share the same opinion regarding the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. We believe that military action cannot solve fundamental regional problems. To solve them, it is necessary to identify the roots of the conflict, and this can be done through dialogue and peaceful communication,” added the Iranian diplomat, expressing his conviction that the best mechanism for solving existing problems is dialogue.

Sobhani said that to achieve a common understanding on all issues, Armenia and Azerbaijan should talk to each other.

“This is a package within which they must be able to reach mutual understanding that will ensure the establishment of a stable peace. This can be guaranteed by the participation of the countries of the region, a striking example of which is the holding of a meeting in the 3+3 format in Tehran. When the countries of the region support the agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, this could become the biggest guarantee of achieving permanent and stable peace in the region,” the ambassador said.

Referring to the humanitarian assistance provided to refugees from Artsakh, the diplomat noted that this was the least that a neighboring country could do. According to him, there is no religious, ethnic or other context in this either.

“In Kapan, I met with Armenian settlers to understand why and under what conditions they left their homes. Their clear message to me was that they want the necessary conditions to be provided in Nagorno-Karabakh to return to their homes. I asked them why they left their homes, they responded that they had to do so because they did not feel physically safe,” Sobhani said.

He also said that Iran’s newly-opened consulate in Kapan in Armenia’s Syunik Province has played an important role in simplifying traffic, helping drivers resolve emerging issues and increasing trade turnover between the two countries.

Sobhani said that the Syunik region is of strategic significance for Armenia, and added that the opening of a consulate was of vital importance.

“We can say that this diplomatic establishment has continued the path to developing relations in this region,” Sobhani added, expressing hope that it will soon be possible to open an Armenian consulate in Tabriz.

https://asbarez.com/iran-again-highlights-need-to-respect-armenias-territorial-integrity/?fbclid=IwAR0tjPBgJXks2Ea9Hhv0PSXgJqJB06s_Xwo6ATBr6dtrxXbmwWix9pCtmnQ

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Armenpress.am

Iranian President postpones Türkiye visit after terror attack in Kerman

10:42, 4 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 4, ARMENPRESS. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi canceled his planned visit to Türkiye after attacks in the southeastern city of Kerman on Wednesday that killed more than 100 people and injured over 200.

"Following the terrorist attacks in Kerman that martyred many Iranians, the president has canceled his visit to Turkey ... this trip will take place in an appropriate time," Mohammad Jamshidi, political deputy at Raisi's office, told IRNA state news agency, according to Reuters.

Turkey's state news agency Anadolu reported that the visit was delayed to a later date.

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday expressed condolences to his Iranian counterpart over the deadly explosions near the tomb of slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

During the call, Erdogan reiterated his call for joint action in the fight against terrorism with Iran.

Meanwhile, it was decided to postpone the visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Türkiye to a later date. Raisi was scheduled to arrive in Türkiye on Thursday, Anadolu reported.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1127319.html?fbclid=IwAR0aQ1LkTvoPzWdyzeJFt82GeCDCj-hON0Xyg5t9VWKxjKydZxccOnxjiW4

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Jan 21 224

Armenia And Iran: A Vital Strategic Partnership – Analysis

January 21, 2024 By Matija Šerić

“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said at a press conference on December 27, congratulating the Armenian people for the New Year and Christmas on behalf of the Iranian government and parliament.

“Iran has historical relations with neighboring Armenia, which continue to develop, deepen and reach a high level day by day. We held important talks with my Armenian colleague and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about the necessity of establishing permanent peace in the South Caucasus and the role of Iran in that process, which can be a guarantee of stability and peace. We have a common opinion on various issues of cooperation”, added the Iranian Foreign Minister.

Thus, the strategic partnership between Iran and Armenia, which is becoming stronger every year, was once again highlighted. Although Iran is a Muslim Shiite country where the Sharia system is in force, and the Republic of Armenia is the only Christian country in the wider area of the Middle East, in the last three decades, a combination of specific historical and geopolitical circumstances has gradually created an important partnership that has a great impact on the geopolitical picture of Middle East and Caucasus.

Historical context

Armenian-Iranian relations have a thousand-year history and they can be described by peculiar phrases that some analysts state: “one civilization, two nations”, “one civilization, two states” and “one civilization, two religions”. Contacts between Persia and ancient Armenia date back to the Median Empire and the 6th century BC. The territory of modern Armenia was part of Qajar Iran until 1828, when it was forcibly ceded to the neighboring Russian Empire as a result of Iran’s defeat in the Russo-Persian War of 1826–28 and the Turkmenchay Agreement. Until the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Armenia remained under Russian control.

Tehran and Yerevan have enjoyed cordial relations since Armenian independence. The 44-kilometer-long Armenian-Iranian border is one of the oldest in the world and a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Today, there are no territorial disputes between the two countries. The Armenian minority in Iran, one of the largest and oldest communities in the world, enjoys the official recognition of the Iranian state and is the strongest minority community in the country. It has between 120,000 and 150,000 members, mostly in the capital, Isfahan, and in the northwest of the country.

The Armenian community is the largest Christian community in Iran, ahead of the Assyrian. Armenians have two representatives in the Iranian parliament and are the only minority with official observer status in the Expediency Discernment Council (decides whether laws conform to Sharia law). Many of the oldest Armenian churches and monasteries are located inside Iran, such as the Monastery of St. Stepanos, Monastery of St. Thaddeus and Chapel of Dzordzor. All objects are under the protection of UNESCO. Parthian and Persian had a huge influence on the Armenian language, which included many Parthian and Persian expressions.

During the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in the early 1990s, Iranian President Akbar Rafsanjani led the peace initiative. Thanks to Iranian efforts, negotiations between the two sides were held in Tehran in May 1992, but despite the agreement, peace efforts failed when Armenian troops captured the city of Shusha and Lachin in the same month. Although Iran has consistently asserted Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, in practice it has discreetly supported Armenian secessionists. This led to the split between Iran and Azerbaijan and the alliance between Iran and Armenia. Tehran chose Armenia because of the fear of Azeri irredentism towards Iranian Azerbaijan and pan-Turkism, which are phenomena that are a threat to Iran.

Economic cooperation

In addition to the important Iran-Armenia gas pipeline that was completed in 2006, the two countries have also implemented other large projects, such as the construction of two hydroelectric plants on the Aras River. During 2014, Iranian and Armenian energy ministers agreed to build a new transmission line from Armenia to Iran in line with efforts to strengthen energy ties. In June 2015, both countries agreed to begin construction of a third transmission line. In January 2021, Iran and Armenia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand trade relations. Trade between the two countries in 2021 amounted to 471 million USD. Armenian trade with Iran is equal to Azerbaijan’s trade with Iran. Despite the bad relations between Tehran and Buku, Iranian-Azerbaijani trade has grown in recent years.

Economic cooperation between Yerevan and Tehran is not a matter of choice, but a matter of necessity in difficult times. Bilateral trade is important for both countries because of their security. Iran is under Western sanctions and Armenia is under a trade blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan since gaining independence in 1991. The Azeri explanation for the blockade is a territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, while the Turkish blockade has no explanation other than the obvious hatred of the Armenian people, as demonstrated by the Turkish genocide of the Armenians in 1914-1918. The only open borders of Armenia are with Iran and Georgia. If they were closed, Armenia would be completely isolated from the rest of the world. The Turkish blockade forces Armenia to rely on the Iranian transport network. Since Armenia’s export economy relies on agriculture and manufacturing, trade corridors through Iran are crucial.

Gas cooperation

An important goal of Iranian-Armenian cooperation is to reduce Armenia’s energy dependence on Russia. The two countries agreed in August to extend an existing agreement under which Armenia supplies Iran with electricity in exchange for natural gas supplies. This arrangement has been in place since 2009 and was due to end in 2026, but will continue, in an improved form, until at least 2030. However, the deal can be disrupted by Russia if it chooses because of Armenia’s turn towards the West and Prime Minister Pashinyan’s efforts to establish a better relations with the USA and the EU.

Armenians fear that the Russians could close their gas pipelines and that is why they want Iranian gas. Namely, the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, which is intended to be used to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russian gas, has been under the concession of the Russian gas giant Gazprom since 2015. Russia has the option of limiting the pipeline’s potential. Even during the design of the pipeline, Moscow insisted that its diameter be limited to 700 millimeters (down from the originally planned 1,420 millimeters) – to ensure that excessive amounts of Iranian gas are not resold to third countries. This technical modification limited the volume of the gas pipeline to 2.3 billion cubic meters per year. In the event that Western sanctions against Iran are lifted, Armenia would be a transit country through which Iranian oil and gas flow to Europe.

New projects and trade in Iranian Rials

In order to facilitate trade, the key cross-border highway that passes through the southern Armenian province of Syunik is currently being reconstructed. In October, the Armenian government awarded a $215 million contract to two Iranian companies (Abad Rahan Pars Iranian International Group and Tunnel Sadd Ariana) to do the work. When the reconstruction is completed, the highway will allow driving from the Armenian village of Agarak, on the Iranian border, 32 kilometers further to the north of Armenia through mountainous terrain over 17 bridges and through two tunnels.

“Armenia can play a key role within the North-South road corridor. I hope that the project will be implemented quickly”, said the Iranian Minister of Transport and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash. Iran and Armenia also discussed the construction of a new border bridge. The existing bridge on the Armenian-Iranian border was built in 1995 over the Aras River.

Bazrpash highlighted Armenia’s potential to access foreign markets through infrastructure projects in Iran’s regions on the Caspian Sea. He highlighted the strategic position of Iran as a transit route to facilitate the movement of Armenian goods. Iran will soon start trading with Armenia, Russia and Belarus in the national currency, the Iranian rial. The two countries have developed tourism cooperation in both directions.

The tragedy of the Karabakh Armenians and the silence of the international community

Just five days before Azerbaijani troops launched a military operation to end Armenian rule over Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, 2023, the US acting assistant secretary of state, Yuri Kim, told the US Senate Foreign Policy Committee: “We will not tolerate any attack on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.” Yet the Biden administration tolerated. After the Azerbaijani victory and the flight of 100 thousand Armenians, the State Department did nothing more than condemnation. The reason is that the United States is mostly concerned with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Azerbaijan’s lightning military action created a fait accompli. In addition, the geopolitical orientations of Azerbaijan and Armenia are different. Although Azerbaijan is an authoritarian non-democratic state, it is oriented pro-Western and pro-Israel, while Armenia, although a democratic state, is traditionally oriented pro-Russian and pro-Iranian. However, in recent years, since 2018, the pro-Western government of Nikola Pashinyan has started to turn towards the West and move away from Russia while maintaining good relations with Iran.

Iran was and remains a vocal supporter of the protection of Armenian minority rights in Azerbaijan. Iranians have condemned the flight of 100 thousand Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh after the Azeri takeover of that region. “We believe that the rights of the people of Karabakh should be ensured. The rights of every person from Karabakh should be ensured. They must have the opportunity to exercise their rights. This is a reality that no one, including Azerbaijan, can ignore,” said Mehdi Sobhani, Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, in his recent interview. Although the ambassador did not reveal that Iran has any special policy towards Karabakh Armenians, the mere mention of Karabakh drew the ire of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. Despite the nice words, Iranian diplomacy did not save the Karabakh Armenians who were under the 9-month economic blockade of the Lachin Corridor, nor did the Iranian Armed Forces intervene when the Azerbaijani offensive began.

The Azerbaijani threat and the Turkic world

Azerbaijan’s victories in the war with the Armenians in 2020 and 2023 brought new challenges for Armenia and Iran. The most important challenge is the growing influence of Turkey in the South Caucasus, which poses a threat to both countries. The Erdogan administration is pursuing neo-Ottoman and pan-Turkish policies with the aim of creating a Greater Turkey in the form of political control. Such expansionist Turkish foreign policy seeks to gather under the control of Ankara Turkish states from Azerbaijan to Central Asian states such as Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan. That is why the Organization of Turkish States was founded in 2009.

Although for now official Baku and Ankara avoid mentioning the north of Iran inhabited mostly by Azeris (Iranian Azerbaijan), in their long-term plans there is a clear intention to make that territory part of the Turkic world. Azeris live in Iranian provinces (East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan) and in smaller numbers in other provinces: Kurdistan, Qazvin, Hamadan, Gilan, Markazi and Kermanshah. Iranian Azeris also form a significant minority in Tehran, Karaj and elsewhere. There are between 12 and 23 million of them in Iran and they make up 16% of the population, which is more than the population of Azerbaijan – 10 million.

Although they have not yet rebelled against Tehran, the Azeris may do so as they are not satisfied with their position. Baku often does not hide the support it provides to various terrorist groups inside Iran with the aim of destabilizing it. In this regard, ISIL’s terrorist attack on the Shah Cheragh Mosque in Shiraz in October 2022 with links to Baku should be mentioned.

Zangezur Corridor – a big threat

Azerbaijani irredentism implies aggressive politics and military actions aimed at dismembering the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia after Azerbaijani formations took control of Nagorno-Karabakh. This leads to the so-called of the Azerbaijani Zangezur Corridor. The imagined corridor is a threat to both Armenia and Iran.

After the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, the Azerbaijani army occupied large parts of its border with Iran. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev then again started talking about the desire to establish a transport corridor from the main part of the Azerbaijani territory through the southern part of Armenia (Syunik province) to the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan. The corridor was designed to be exempt from Armenian sovereignty, without Armenian checkpoints, with the aim of connecting the “Turkish world”. It is a classic example of Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman politics. But Tehran proposed an alternative.

In early October, the Iranians started building a bridge that would allow faster transit between the main territory of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan through Iranian territory, thus eliminating the need for a corridor through Armenia. The Zangezur Corridor would cut through Armenia and isolate Iran from Armenia, which would not benefit both countries. At the same time, it would be a blatant violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia. Such ideas are rejected by almost all foreign governments except Turkey.

Together against Israel

In the regional conflict and proxy war of Iran and Israel, besides Israel using Azerbaijan as an important ally, Iran uses Armenia. Iran wants to use its good relations with Armenia to harm Israel in certain ways on a regional level. In addition to the conflict with pro-Israel Azerbaijan, one of them is the Iranian air corridor through Armenia to Lebanon and Syria.

Iran’s intelligence service Quds Force (Jerusalem Force) conducts military-intelligence operations in Armenia with the aim of transporting weapons and military equipment and information warfare. After Iranian airlines were exposed in 2018 as arms and personnel carriers for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and related organizations in Syria and Lebanon, the Armenian airline Flight Travel LLC was founded with the same intent. Iranian military commanders, weapons and equipment were often transported from Afghanistan and Pakistan via Armenia to Lebanon and Syria. Such activities are a thorn in Israel’s side.

Points of disagreement

There are also disagreements. The interests of Iran and Armenia diverge when it comes to the presence of extraregional actors in the South Caucasus, including negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the thawing of their Cold War relations. Armenians are in favor and Iranians are against.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian was explicit on this issue when he recently stated: “The presence of foreigners in the region not only does not solve problems, but complicates the situation.” Yerevan wants the US and the EU to mediate in solving outstanding issues with Baku, while Tehran would like the problems to be solved exclusively by regional powers. In line with this regional principle, Iran welcomed the 2021 initiative to establish a 3+3 format for talks that would include the three South Caucasus states (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), and three neighboring regional powers – Iran, Russia and Turkey. Several meetings in the 3+2 format (Georgia never agreed to participate) have already taken place, the last on October 23 in Tehran, but little progress has been achieved.

Due to the rapprochement with the West, Armenians try to carry out their trade with Iranians as much as possible in exchange of goods – for example, “electricity for gas”. The West’s intention is to deny Iran cash. Despite the developed relations, Armenians do not buy weapons from Iranians. Armenians turned to India for weapons and military equipment. There is also no significant money laundering between the two countries. Armenia follows the path of Cyprus in suppressing such activities. Despite enormous pressure from Tehran, Armenia did not reject the Iranian dissidents. While Turkey returns Iranians to the Islamic Republic, Armenia has established itself as a safe haven for dissidents seeking salvation in Europe or America. In addition, all Western intelligence services are currently operating in Armenia, and most often they are focused on spying on Iran. They do this mostly freely without interfering with Armenian structures.

The future of relationship

Security should form the basis for continued Iranian-Armenian relations in the future. The two countries could establish a joint military-political alliance that would have joint military forces consisting of parts of the Iranian and Armenian armies. The troops of the Iranian-Armenian alliance could jointly intervene if the security of a state was threatened. It is unlikely that Azerbaijan or Turkey would attack Iran, but a Turkish or Azerbaijani attack on Armenia should not be ruled out considering the increased appetites of Baku and Ankara and the inefficiency of the international community, especially in the Caucasus region.

In addition to external invasions, the Iranian-Armenian military-political alliance should conduct anti-terrorist operations against terrorist groups. Such operations could be managed by a joint supreme headquarters. The two countries should continue to improve economic cooperation through certain economic integration, thus laying a solid foundation for strengthening their own security. In any case, Armenian-Iranian relations should continue to deepen in the economic, military, scientific, cultural and sports fields.

Matija Šerić

Matija Šerić is a geopolitical analyst and journalist from Croatia and writes on foreign policy, history, economy, society, etc.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/21012024-armenia-and-iran-a-vital-strategic-partnership-analysis/

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Jamestown Foundation

Jan 23 2024

Armenia Plans to Use Iranian Ports to Reach India Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 21 Issue: 10 By: John C. K. Daly

January 23, 2024 03:57 PM Age: 22 hours

Executive Summary:

• Iran has granted Armenia access to its Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports to facilitate Yerevan’s trade access to India.
• The proposed east-west transit route will serve as a supplemental component of the International North-South Transport Corridor in facilitating greater regional trade.
• Armenia has increasingly turned to India for defense cooperation and arms purchases in the wake of Yerevan’s falling out with Moscow.

On January 3, Mehdi Sobhani, the Iranian ambassador to Armenia, announced that Armenian ships could freely use Iran’s Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports (Arminfo, January 3). Yerevan has been moving toward signing formal economic agreements with Tehran to use Iranian seaports for its arms trade with India. This development is a further sign of Armenia’s estrangement from former protector Russia following military clashes with Azerbaijan last year (see EDM,February 9, September 20, 2023. Both New Delhi and Tehran strongly support Armenian aspirations to assist in the development and use of Iran’s ports. Compensating for Yerevan’s downgrade of defense and armaments agreements with Moscow, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said: “We view the security of Armenia as the security of Iran” (Caucasus Watch, February 22, 2023). The growth of trilateral cooperation among Armenia, India, and Iran looks to improve regional transit infrastructure and elevate each country’s influence in the South Caucasus (see EDM, June 21, 2023).

Armenian-Indian rapprochement dates back to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s trip to Armenia in October 2021. That marked the first visit of an Indian foreign minister to Yerevan in the three decades since the Soviet Union’s collapse (Firstpost, January 5). Jaishankar’s visit built upon an earlier meeting held on September 26, 2019, between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly in New York. There, Modi requested Armenia’s assistance in finalizing a trade arrangement with the Russian-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Armenia is a member (Asia News International, September 26, 2019).

Armenia’s interests in expanding cooperation with Iran and India are twofold. Yerevan seeks to strengthen its military by importing high-grade sophisticated armaments and to stimulate its access to global markets by expanding its trade options beyond the Russian-dominated EAEU and post-Soviet space. Armenia began to search for new security partners after Russia, dominating the Collective Security Treaty Organization, refused to assist Armenia in fighting Azerbaijan during the Second Karabakh War (September 27–November 10, 2020) and subsequent border clashes. As a result, Yerevan and New Delhi began to discuss prospects for bilateral defense cooperation. Since then, India has proven to be a useful partner, as Armenia signed a contract in 2022 to import Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, and other munitions. The supplies were ferried via Iran, provoking protests from Azerbaijan (The Times of India, October 26, 2023). In 2023, Pashinyan and Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan openly discussed Russia’s failure to Armenia with supply arms. The weapons and munitions are worth hundreds of millions of Armenia drams and have already been paid for, with no indication of Moscow planning to refund the money (JAMnews, December 29, 2023).

Landlocked Armenia is also engaged in discussions to join in developing Iran’s Chabahar port. Chabahar is situated on Iran’s Makran coast in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province bordering Pakistan. The port itself lies next to the Gulf of Oman at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz and gives Iran direct access to the Indian Ocean. Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan recently noted that Chabahar is an integral component in Armenia’s quest for enhanced access to India and Central Asia via connectivity with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Armenia’s link to Chabahar and the long-dormant INSTC, originally proposed by India, Iran, and Russia in 2000, can be completed by the end of 2024 ( Logistics Insider, November 9, 2023).

The proposed east-west trade route to connect Armenia, Iran, and India is meant to be a supplemental component of the INSTC. The original purpose of the INSTC was to reduce the cost of trade between India and Russia by about 30 percent and cut transit time by more than half (see EDM, July 13, 2022). Geopolitical disagreements and funding shortages have delayed the corridor’s development.

The Armenian economy would certainly benefit from a boost in its international trade. According to the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, in 2021, the national poverty rate was 26.5 percent (Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia, November 30, 2022). Even worse, poverty in rural areas has reached a sobering 33–49.1 percent (Hetq.am, November 30, 2022). As of January 1, Armenia took over the rotating EAEU chairmanship from Russia for 2024. Yerevan projects that Armenia could serve as a transit conduit for Iran to the EAEU and European countries further afield. Iran, in turn, would assist Armenia in gaining access to the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and India.

Moscow has voiced concerns about Armenia’s search for alternative security partners. For example, at the end of last year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addressed the Kremlin’s concerns about Armenia’s drift toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He remarked: “I hope that Yerevan is aware that the deepening of cooperation with the alliance will lead to the loss of sovereignty in the field of national defense and security” (TASS, December 28, 2023). Russian concerns about Armenia drifting away from its weapons exports will not abate anytime soon. Recently, sources within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Armenia is interested in signing more defense contracts with New Delhi for Indian-made drones and counter-drone systems, munitions, and mid-range surface-to-air missiles (Firstpost, January 5).

Armenia’s hopes for gaining trade access to India via Iran’s ports may be premature. On January 16, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Sistan-Baluchistan fired drones and missiles against Baloch Sunni Muslim militant group Jaysh al-Adl in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province (The Tehran Times, January 16). The day before, Iran had carried out similar strikes inside Iraq and Syria against “spy headquarters” and “terrorist” bases. On January 18, Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone strikes against “terrorist hideouts” in Iran (The News International, January 18).

Yerevan’s estrangement from Russia is a significant loss for Moscow’s position in the South Caucasus. Still, Armenia’s integration into global north-south and east-west trade patterns brings with it several challenges and opportunities. Pakistan’s strikes on Iran were the first external land attack on the Islamic Republic since Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded in September 1980, igniting eight years of conflict. Expanding security cooperation with more reliable partners than Russia is one thing. Succeeding in the increasingly turbulent Eurasian economic environment is quite another.

https://jamestown.org/program/armenia-plans-to-use-iranian-ports-to-reach-india/

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Asbarez.com

Iran Has ‘Clearly Demonstrated’ It Will Not Tolerate ‘Geopolitical Changes’

by Asbarez Staff

February 6, 2024

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani speaks in Yerevan on Feb. 6

 

Official Tehran, once again, emphasized its opposition to the so-called “corridor” scheme being advanced by Baku and Ankara, who are pushing for a land route through Armenia to Nakhichevan.

Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, told a meeting of experts and journalists in Yerevan on Tuesday that while in general political terms such a “corridor” is an opportunity for advancing transportation capabilities.

“However,” he emphasized, “this is perceived completely differently.”

“Tehran has demonstrated through its actions that it will not tolerate any geopolitical changes in this region,” Sobhani said, emphasizing the Iranian government’s long-held position that any changes to the existing borders in the region would be a red line for the Islamic Republic, whose supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has conveyed this message, in no uncertain terms, to the leaders of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

“The common border between Armenia and Iran has been the safest and has served as a guarantee for expanding ties and contacts between the two sides, as well as ensuring the well-being of both peoples,” said Sobhani.

“We welcome the unblocking of all roads and communications, if it happens based on the interests of countries and under their sovereignty. We support the strengthening of Armenia and the establishment of peace and stability. Therefore, only the balance of forces in our region will contribute to all of this. We are ready to provide any assistance that Armenia will need for further development,” Sobhani assured.

“Today, Iran is pursuing the most independent domestic and foreign policy, and without Tehran, not a single equation in the region can be resolved. Our country is part of the solution to the crises and problems of the region. Despite the pressure and conspiracies against Iran over the past 45 years, our country has made significant progress and, despite the sanctions imposed on us, has achieved remarkable advancements in all areas,” Sobhani emphasized.

According to the Ambassador, Iran is conducting a balanced policy with the countries of the region, with particular emphasis on its neighboring states. In particular, relations between Armenia and Iran have consistently developed since their establishment.

“The peoples of Iran and Armenia have always stood side by side amidst moments of joy and sorrow. Today, Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and, as before, is ready to leverage all its resources to develop cooperation,” the Iranian envoy said.

“If there are escalations and conflicts in our region, they have a negative impact on all the countries of the region; therefore, they should become guarantors of solving the problems with joint efforts. It is necessary to be guided by sincere motives and be consistent in establishing real peace and stable security,” Sobhani added.

https://asbarez.com/iran-has-clearly-demonstrated-it-will-not-tolerate-geopolitical-changes/?fbclid=IwAR3kMr8DXveDKyBtxnzSfkE8aUk_7oBA_RUWcRenlxBi6zA8s93L3IcFfao

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Asbarez.com

Iran will Ensure Regional Security and Stick to Its ‘Red Lines’

by Asbarez Staff

February 15, 2024

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran hosts Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan in Tehran on Feb. 15

 

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran said Thursday that his country is ready to ensure the strategic security of the Caucasus region, keeping in mind the “red lines” that Tehran has advocated regarding its opposition to any changes in regional borders.

During the past several weeks, Iranian officials have reiterated their strong opposition to a scheme advanced by Baku — and backed by Ankara — on the creation of a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhichevan.

Tehran views this as a “red line” in its regional policy.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has welcomed the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing Iran’s readiness to ensure the strategic security of the Caucasus region given the red lines of the Islamic Republic in this regard.

Raisi made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The Iranian leader also warned about “outside forces” attempting to sway matters in the region under the pretext of assisting to overcome crisis, essentially referring to the West’s recent interest in Armenia.

He added that not only does the involvement of “outsiders” not yield solutions, but it brings about more severe challenges, the IRNA news agency reported.

Raisi welcomed the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing Iran’s readiness to assist in that process.

He voiced his country’s full support for the implementation of all agreements between Tehran and Yerevan.

Armenia and Iran have signed agreements on economic cooperation in 19 different sectors during their intergovernmental commission meeting, IRNA reports.

https://asbarez.com/iran-will-ensure-regional-security-and-stick-to-its-red-lines/?fbclid=IwAR0Q2KmUZai_BlqnC22HDiDx66JE_UKdVBs6XiF6R2wNRBkMPdpVhRrg2IU

[Yervant1]

Iran International

Feb 17 2024

Iran’s Envoy In Yerevan Defends Armenia's Territorial Integrity

After warnings by Armenia of a fresh Azerbaijani military threat, Iran's Ambassador in Yerevan, Mehdi Sobhani, has reiterated Tehran's stance against any territorial alterations in the region.

In an interview with Armenpress, Sobhani emphasized, “The final position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that we cannot accept a territorial change in any way. Any territorial changes should take place on the basis of mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of both countries, and this remains our final position...the territorial integrity of the countries of the region should be respected."

Expressing concern over regional stability, the Iranian diplomat stated that Tehran finds it “unacceptable” to witness a volatile situation around Armenia.

His comments come as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to escalate. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Thursday rejected Azerbaijan's persistent demands for legislative changes in Armenia, warning of potential "large-scale" military aggression from Baku.

Pashinian accused Azerbaijani leadership of pursuing a "policy of military coercion" to seize Armenian territory and extract concessions. He highlighted Azerbaijan's reluctance to demarcate the border, following a ceasefire violation that resulted in the death of four Armenian soldiers on Tuesday.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday maintained his stance, stating that he won't sign a peace treaty unless Armenia revises its legislation, which he claims contains territorial claims on Azerbaijan.

Amidst the tension, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed Tehran's opposition to the presence of external powers in the South Caucasus during discussions with a senior visiting Armenian official.

Iran supports Armenia's stance against Azerbaijani requests for an extraterritorial corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave via Syunik, the sole Armenian region sharing a border with the Islamic Republic.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202402172550

[Yervant1]

TEHRAN TIMES

Iran - March 6 2024

Armenian defense minister in Tehran for talks

1. Politics
   

March 6, 2024 - 20:4

TEHRAN – The defense minister of Armenia has arrived in Tehran for a meeting with Iranian military officials.

Suren Papikyan engaged in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, during his visit on Wednesday.

This meeting is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and address regional issues.

In a recent television interview, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian foreign minister, highlighted the need for support from allies, including Iran, in the context of tensions between Armenia and Baku. Mirzoyan underscored Armenia's reliance on partners, including Iran, during a segment of the interview.

Iran has actively cultivated positive relations with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Emphasizing its readiness to address the disputes and challenges faced by these two nations, Iran has consistently advocated for regional countries to collaboratively resolve issues within the region. Iran has cautioned against allowing the involvement of external countries in the Caucasus under any pretext, as this is deemed unfavorable for the regional countries. The promotion of sustainable peace in the region, as Iran has repeatedly underscored, is achievable only through dialogue and diplomacy.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/495848/Armenian-defense-minister-in-Tehran-for-talks

[Yervant1]

IRAN FRONT PAGE

March 7 2024

President Raisi stresses regional security, sovereignty in talks with Armenian defense chief

In a meeting with Armenia's Defense Minister, Soren Papikian, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi highlighted Tehran's commitment to fostering peace, stability, and security in the Caucasus.

Firmly rejecting alterations to regional borders and geopolitics, President Raisi underscored the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of the regional countries, and non-interference by external powers.

Raisi expressed Iran’s support for initiatives promoting peace in the Caucasus and voiced hope that discussions between the Armenian Defense Minister and his Iranian counterpart would enhance regional security.

Describing the Iran-Armenia relationship as vital, the president emphasized the effectiveness of cooperation between the two nations in various sectors for regional development and security.

The Iranian president insisted that regional security is achievable only through collaboration among neighboring countries, asserting that foreign involvement hinders peace.

In response, Armenian Defense Minister Papikian commended Iran’s commitment to upholding sovereignty and championing peace, declaring the establishment of peace in the Caucasus as Armenia’s top priority.

He stressed that mutual respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty is at the forefront of Armenia’s agenda in the pursuit of regional stability.

https://ifpnews.com/president-raisi-regional-security-sovereignty-armenian-defense-chief/

[Yervant1]

Iran - March 9 2024

Iran's all-out ties with Armenia serve regional peace, lasting security: FM Amir-Abdollahian

The Iranian foreign minister says the expansion of Iran's all-out relations with Armenia will serve the two countries' interests and be beneficial to peace, stability and sustainable security in the region.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a meeting with Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan in Tehran on Saturday.

The top Iranian diplomat stressed the need to continue joint efforts to promote cooperation in various political, economic, trade, scientific and cultural fields.

Late in December, Amir-Abdollahian met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan and discussed mutual relations and the latest regional issues, particularly the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the status of Karabakh region.

The Armenian diplomat, for his part, said his country attaches special significance to the improvement of ties with Iran which is beneficial to regional stability and security.

Kostanyan added that he held fruitful talks with his Iranian counterpart Ali Bagheri Kani and noted that the two sides agreed to continue consultations at different levels.

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/09/721571/Iran-Armenia-Amir-Abdollahian-Deputy-Foreign-Minister-Vahan-Kostanyan-ties-security-peace-

[Yervant1]

IRNA - Iran

March 9 2024

Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks ‘important’ for Armenia: MP

Tehran, IRNA- An Armenian lawmaker says the position of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei regarding conflict in the Caucasus region has given the people of Armenia an important boost in morale.

Lilit Galtian told IRNA in an exclusive interview published on Saturday that after the 44-day war of 2020 between Armenia and Azerbaijan, “the balance of power in the South Caucasus was disrupted".

Even though many countries have since emphasized on sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia, she said, the statement made by Iran’s Supreme Leader stressing on “the security of the people and no change in borders has been more important for the people of Armenia from the point of view of morale".

“Last month, an official survey was conducted in Armenia asking the people, ‘which countries do you consider to be friends of Armenia?’ It might be interesting to you that the first three countries in this survey were Iran, America and France,” the Armenian MP said.

Galtian said that national security is “the most important issue” for Armenia at the moment “because our security is facing a serious threat".

Asked how Iran and other regional countries can help establish that security, she said Armenia has always been keen to address its security challenges through “dialogue” and will welcome governments that want to mediate between Yerevan and Baku.

“The presence of foreign countries cannot help with the regional crisis,” the Armenian MP added.

4353**2050

https://en.irna.ir/news/85413220/Ayatollah-Khamenei-s-remarks-important-for-Armenia-MP

[Yervant1]

TEHRAN TIMES

Iran - March 10 2024

Regional security gains from Iran-Armenia connections: FM

TEHRAN- Iran’s foreign minister has advocated for deeper ties with Armenia, stating that more collaboration between the two countries would be advantageous for the security, stability, and peace of the region.

Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Vahan Kostanian, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia, discussed plans to deepen ties between their two countries in a variety of areas at a meeting on Saturday in Tehran.

Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts to fortify and foster cooperation in the political, economic, commercial, scientific, and cultural domains, Amir Abdollahian made reference to his December visit to Yerevan and his fruitful conversations with the prime minister and foreign minister of Armenia.

Late in December, Amir Abdollahian met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan and discussed mutual relations and the latest regional issues, particularly the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the status of Karabakh region.

He also said that deepening friendly ties with Armenia in all spheres will benefit both nations and promote regional peace, stability, and long-term security free from outside intervention.

Kostanian, for his part, greeted the top Iranian diplomat on behalf of the foreign minister of Armenia.

Additionally, he stated that Armenia views closer ties with Iran as highly significant and advantageous for the stability and security of the whole region.

As part of the latest round of political meetings between the two nations, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia also gave a report on his discussions with his Iranian counterpart, characterizing the outcomes as positive.

Iran, Qatar call for ceasefire in Gaza Strip

The political attempts to resolve the Gaza issue and put an end to Israel’s genocidal crimes in Palestine were deliberated by the foreign ministers of Iran and Qatar.

Amir Abdollahian and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani spoke over the phone on Saturday night, discussing current bilateral matters as well as regional events, such as the Gaza conflict.

The two senior diplomats emphasized the necessity of maintaining the positive trend in relations and carrying out the bilateral agreements.

Additionally, they discussed the most recent events in Gaza as well as the proposals made to halt the slaughter in the enclave.

They also emphasized the necessity of stepping up political assiduity and efforts in that direction.

At least 31,000 Palestinians have been killed and 72,524 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/495998/Regional-security-gains-from-Iran-Armenia-connections-FM

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

U.S. tells Iran it “had no involvement” in Israeli strike: Axios

12:58, 2 April 2024

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. told Iran that it "had no involvement" or advanced knowledge of an Israeli strike on a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed a senior Iranian general, Axios reports citing a U.S. official.

A National Security Council spokesperson told Axios that the U.S. "had no involvement in the [israeli] strike and we did not know about it ahead of time."

A senior U.S. official said the U.S. “has communicated this directly to Iran,” the report adds.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that 7 military advisers, including Generals Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi and five of their companions were killed in the Israeli missile attack on the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus.

General Mohammad Reza Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer to be killed since the U.S. assassinated Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

According to Axios, Israeli intelligence has been following Zahedi, who was “in charge of arming and coordinating with Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian militias in Lebanon and Syria”, for a long time.

The report adds that according to Israeli and U.S. officials Israel notified the Biden administration a few minutes before its air force conducted the strike but didn't ask for a U.S. green light.

A U.S. official said the Israeli heads-up wasn't detailed and arrived when the military jets were already in the air.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1133813.html?fbclid=IwAR2dsZ6-LF4EYAvOouSFezGSX6Z74tb-qi_39HKUwAsSg5kZA4nFQdlR1F4_aem_AbnNmuUUXzQX1137x45eKC-xs7xqprHbBUpHw9jSZ12RKNcMFxAWU_A2SVBdOEvPjL2IaQUiVL_7VQa4Y7kq3Lw8

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

EU urges 'restraint' after Iran consulate strike blamed on Israel

16:00, 2 April 2024

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. The EU said that it was "alarmed by the alleged Israeli strike" on the Iranian consulate in Syria's Damascus and warned against any escalation after Tehran vowed revenge, Barron’s reports citing AFP.

"In this highly tense regional situation, it is really of utmost importance to show restraint because the further escalation in the region is in no one's interests," EU spokesman Peter Stano said.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that 7 military advisers, including Generals Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi and five of their companions were killed in the Israeli missile attack on the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus on April 1.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1133834.html?fbclid=IwAR1JW2xc4_F1eALhxbD5Xjt8LktbYc1H3Y4hU1vfwMGOwktU8TwXKNa5QTU_aem_AbmPk_JdhVcL4at6ZwIfJEM_Z2ehTAdiC82qpI0VNpqaKg8IUZ8-8mWancIF38KQ-TSwZ3w-7lrdvXGGsg76x_Pp

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia deeply concerned by recent attack on Iranian consulate in Damascus - Foreign Ministry

20:47, 2 April 2024

YEREVAN, 2 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is deeply concerned by the recent attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the foreign ministry of the Republc of Armenia said in a post on X.

"The inviolability of diplomatic representations is a must & should not be questioned under any pretext. We express our sincere sympathy to victims and wounded," reads the statement.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1133869.html?fbclid=IwAR2qV1K6-juYJqusrKReUrD8tfAKo0wxOGzfKPrgFO7XbQ56UyKn1eaJS90_aem_AbmYVCoJZ9ukPlGLl0Yz-BsZ9D_0eM4txz0pM2LEkjD8OB8mD_O_Mazs9wKjKgvU4Rc_OhDCs3WqN08lfeJpV_W3

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

it don't look good at all for Iran at this moment..

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

bot of historical video - 


 

Raid on the Reactor — How Israel Stopped Saddam Hussein From Destroying the World

[MosJan]

lets see Israeli response .