Armenia Blocks Iranian Protest March After Tehran’s Warning, Police Detain Seven People

Days after strong criticism from Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Armenian police blocked Iranians living in Armenia from holding a protest march in Yerevan.

The protesters had planned to march from the Iranian Embassy to the Blue Mosque on Mashtots Avenue. While a protest in front of the embassy was allowed, police did not permit the march to move forward. Protesters said police told them they had been informed that the Yerevan Municipality had canceled its earlier decision approving the march.

The protest followed several demonstrations outside the Iranian Embassy in recent days. Last Wednesday, Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgolami, said Tehran believes Armenia is becoming a center for activities against Iran. He stated that hostile forces were using Armenia to act against Iranian interests.

The ambassador also said Iran had contacted Armenian authorities regarding the protests, but demonstrations continued.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded, stating that Armenia would not become a threat to Iran. He also said that since the 2018 revolution, rallies in Armenia have not been banned and that no special exceptions would be made.

Despite these assurances, protesters said they were unable to walk even a single meter during the planned march. According to participants, police officers on site told them the municipality had withdrawn permission for the procession, and therefore the march was not authorized.

Protesters expressed anger, saying Armenia is a democratic country and that canceling a previously approved march was unacceptable. When several participants attempted to proceed with the march despite the ban, police intervened and detained seven protesters for failing to comply with lawful police orders. All seven were later released.

Several demonstrators said municipal officials had earlier explained the cancellation by citing possible traffic congestion in the capital. Protesters rejected this explanation and said they believe the decision was linked to pressure following the Iranian ambassador’s statements.

A large police presence surrounded the embassy area. When protesters began a sit-in, police warned them to end the action or force and special measures would be used. The protest lasted more than three hours and at times became tense. Several participants were removed from the area.

Some protesters also said they were summoned to police stations and later to Armenia’s National Security Service days after the ambassador’s public comments, though they declined to provide details.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans including “Freedom for Iran,” “Democracy for Iran,” “Long live the Shah,” and “President Trump, take action.” Supporters of Iran’s exiled crown prince were among those present.

Several people who had recently arrived in Yerevan from Iran also attended the protest. They said many people in Iran are afraid to go out into the streets. One participant said he had witnessed people being killed during protests and claimed regime supporters burned buildings and later blamed demonstrators.

The protesters called for an end to bloodshed in Iran and demanded the removal of the country’s religious leadership.

In an official statement, Armenia’s Interior Ministry Police said security at the gathering in front of the Iranian Embassy was being properly ensured. The police confirmed that the march was not authorized and that seven individuals were administratively detained under Article 182 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for failing to comply with lawful police orders.

The police added that they will continue to carry out their legally mandated duties to ensure public order.

According to human rights organizations, protests that began in Iran late last year resulted in at least 3,428 deaths. Other groups estimate the death toll may be as high as 5,000, with nearly 20,000 people arrested.

While large-scale anti-government protests in Iran have largely subsided, authorities continue to restrict internet access across the country, and phone services remain only partially operational.

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