Armenia Sends Condolences to Iran After Death of Supreme Leader in U.S.–Israeli Strikes

Armenia’s leaders on Monday expressed condolences to Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials in ongoing U.S.-Israeli air strikes. The Armenian government also called for calm and a diplomatic solution as tensions rise in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In his message, Pashinyan wrote, “We are following the developments around Iran with great concern,” and offered condolences for the deaths of leaders and citizens of the Islamic Republic. He added, “Please accept my condolences in connection with casualties among the leadership and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We will always remember the personal role of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ali Khamenei, in the development of Armenia-Iran relations.”

Pashinyan also expressed hope for peace in the region. “At this difficult time, we cherish hope for the speedy establishment of peace and stability in the Middle East,” he wrote. Over the years, Pashinyan had met Khamenei several times during visits to Tehran.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also shared condolences during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. According to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, Mirzoyan stressed “the importance of reducing tensions and reaching a peaceful resolution” to the escalating conflict.

The Iranian Embassy in Yerevan said Mirzoyan also expressed Armenia’s readiness to send humanitarian aid to Iran if needed. In a post on X, the embassy quoted Araghchi as saying: “Iran is ready to continue self-defense for as long as necessary and to avenge the blood of its martyred leader.”

At the same time, Armenia’s leadership avoided directly condemning the U.S.-Israeli military campaign, which began early Saturday. Opposition figures in Armenia criticized the government for waiting more than 24 hours before making an official statement. They argued that the conflict could have serious consequences for Armenia’s security and long-term future.

In recent months, Iranian officials had raised concerns about Armenia’s plans to open a U.S.-administered transit corridor for Azerbaijan along the Armenian-Iranian border. Tehran fears that the planned project, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, could bring a U.S. security presence close to its border. Armenian officials have tried to reassure Iran that the project would not threaten its interests.

For decades, Iran has been one of landlocked Armenia’s two main land routes to the outside world. Trade and travel through the border are important for Armenia’s economy. Passenger and cargo traffic between the two countries resumed on Monday afternoon after being closed for 24 hours because of the fighting.

Two Armenian television channels reported from the border crossing that there were no signs of large numbers of Iranians fleeing into Armenia. Footage showed that daily life in the area continued. Residents of the Armenian border town of Agarak were seen crossing into Iran to buy cheaper goods.

“We went shopping as usual,” one resident told the regional Syunik TV channel.

“All shops across the border are open,” said another Armenian woman.

So far, the Armenian government has not advised its citizens to leave Iran. Instead, it has urged Armenians living in Iran, Israel, and Gulf Arab states to take safety precautions. Meanwhile, weekend flight cancellations to and from those countries left many Armenian travelers stranded in the United Arab Emirates, adding to the uncertainty caused by the growing conflict.

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