Iran Says Ties With Armenia Must Continue Despite Trump’s TRIPP Project

Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, said that relations between Armenia and Iran must continue regardless of Armenia’s foreign policy choices. He made the remarks during a press conference on March 2, when he was asked about Armenian-American relations in the context of the ongoing war against Iran.

The ambassador said that the deep cooperation between Armenia and Iran requires steady interaction. He explained that from a military, economic, and identity perspective, the existence of a strong Armenia in the region helps secure Iran’s national aspirations and goals.

“From a military, economic, and identity perspective, the existence of such a strong Armenia in the region also helps secure Iran’s national aspirations and goals,” the ambassador said.

Speaking about Iran’s position on the TRIPP program, the ambassador noted that Tehran has always discussed the issue with Yerevan. He said Iran believes the project may create new communication opportunities for Armenia. However, he stressed that it must not be used in any way against Iran.

“We have said that this program may create new opportunities for Armenia from a communications point of view, but it must in no way become a tool or a source against Iran. The Armenian authorities have always assured that this route will never gain a military meaning and that Armenia’s sovereignty on that road will be preserved. There is trust between us and Armenia,” the ambassador said.

Shirgholami also said that Armenia’s territorial integrity is a red line for Iran. He stated that the security of Armenia, which he described as a friendly and neighboring country, is important for Tehran.

“The security of friendly and neighboring Armenia is important to us. Armenia’s territorial integrity is a red line for us. Our wish is that Armenia does not suffer as a result of the actions of those who violate international law [the U.S. and Israel],” the ambassador said.

The ambassador also addressed the ongoing military conflict involving Iran. On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a large-scale military attack against Iran. On the first day of the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed.

The military operations have since spread across several countries in the Middle East. In response to the strikes, Iran has been targeting U.S. military bases located in different countries across the region, as well as Israel. Israel has also carried out strikes in Lebanon.

Shirgholami said that if Iran were defeated in this war, Armenia would also suffer consequences. He expressed hope that peace in the South Caucasus would be preserved despite historical disagreements. According to the ambassador, maintaining stability in the region would benefit all countries involved.

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