Iran Backs Armenia’s Ties with the West: “We Do Not Consider It a Step Against Iran”

Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, has confirmed that Tehran fully respects Armenia’s right to pursue independent foreign relations — including its growing ties with Western countries. This announcement dispels widespread rumors that Iran may be uneasy about Armenia’s increasing engagement with the European Union or other Western nations.

Sobhani made it clear that Iran does not see Armenia’s foreign policy choices as a threat. On the contrary, he described them as a natural expression of Armenia’s sovereignty. His remarks reaffirm the strong relationship between the two neighboring countries, rooted in mutual respect and shared regional interests.

“Armenia is an independent state, and Iran considers the diversification of foreign policy to be the natural right of the Republic of Armenia,” Sobhani said. “We do not view the development of Armenia's relations with the countries you mentioned as a step against Iran.”

The ambassador emphasized that Iran itself has played an active role in helping Armenia diversify its international partnerships. He mentioned recent projects that show how cooperation between Armenia, the West, and Iran can work together for mutual benefit.

One such example was a waste processing plant in Armenia, built by an Iranian company but financed by the World Bank and the European Union. Another ongoing collaboration is the modernization of the Meghri customs office, funded through European financial institutions and carried out by Iran.

Sobhani stressed that Armenia’s Western ties do not harm or contradict its deep relationship with Iran. In fact, the Iranian government expects Armenia to use its good relations with Europe to also strengthen economic and regional cooperation with Iran.

“We expect Armenia to use its good relations with Europe and other countries to develop relations with Iran. And I must emphasize that the government of the Republic of Armenia has assured us that the development of foreign relations does not contradict Iranian-Armenian relations and is not aimed at weakening them.”

This message comes at a time when Armenia is working hard to secure its position as a bridge between East and West. With its strategic location and long-standing history of diplomacy, Armenia understands the importance of balancing its partnerships while protecting its national interests.

Sobhani said that Iran has full trust in the Armenian government, particularly in its commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with Tehran. “We trust our Armenian friends, and the Armenian government is very sensitive in supporting and protecting its relations with Iran, as this is in the interests of both countries and both peoples.”

These developments are especially important for Armenia, which continues to rebuild its economy and diplomatic standing after years of regional challenges and conflict. Strengthening partnerships with both traditional allies and new partners is essential for long-term stability.

According to Ambassador Sobhani, deepening Armenian-Iranian relations will help expand trade, increase tourism, and boost cultural cooperation between the two nations. These are all positive steps that serve to strengthen the economies of both countries and bring their people closer together.

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