Armenian, Iranian Defense Ministers Hold Phone Call on Regional Security

On July 9, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh held a phone call to discuss regional and global security concerns. This is their first direct conversation since Iran’s recent 12-day conflict with Israel, and comes at a critical time for the South Caucasus region, where growing threats are putting pressure on Armenia’s sovereignty.

According to a statement from Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, the ministers discussed both international and regional issues, along with ongoing cooperation between their two countries. “Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing stability and peace in the region,” the statement said. Iranian news sources have not yet released details about the call.

This diplomatic exchange follows a series of strategic developments that show the deepening relationship between Armenia and Iran. Just two months ago, Nasirzadeh visited Armenia and made a strong statement regarding the safety of Iran’s shared border with Armenia. “Iran will not allow any encroachment,” he said—a clear warning in light of Azerbaijan’s persistent demands for a land corridor that would cut through Armenia’s Syunik province.

Iran has always stood firmly against any foreign-imposed changes to regional borders, especially when it comes to its neighbor Armenia. The Syunik province is Armenia’s strategic lifeline to Iran and a key link in maintaining the country's independence from Azerbaijani and Turkish influence. Any land corridor passing through Syunik would not only endanger Armenia’s territorial integrity but also threaten Iran’s direct border access with Armenia—something Tehran has vowed to protect.

In April, the growing military ties between Yerevan and Tehran became even more visible when the Armenian Armed Forces and Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a joint military exercise along the Armenian-Iranian border. This was the first time such a coordinated drill took place, symbolizing a united front against external pressure and attempts to redraw borders.

The phone call also comes in the wake of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement suggesting that Armenia may be showing more flexibility regarding the so-called “Zangezur corridor.” Erdogan met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul on June 20, sparking widespread concern within Armenia that major concessions could be made. Armenian officials, however, have dismissed these claims, insisting that national sovereignty and full control over Armenian territory remain non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, in late May, the United States proposed a controversial idea that Armenian customs inspections for Azerbaijan’s Nakhijevan exclave be handled by a private American company. The proposal has not been confirmed by Yerevan, but such a move would likely be opposed by Iran, which has consistently warned against the involvement of “extra-regional” forces in the South Caucasus.

Armenia continues to navigate a complex and dangerous geopolitical landscape, surrounded by hostile neighbors and foreign powers pushing for influence. The continued partnership with Iran—based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests—remains a vital pillar in Armenia’s effort to maintain peace and security in the region.

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