Iran to Raise Transit Concerns After Armenia-Azerbaijan ‘Peace’ Signing in Washington

Iran is concerned about possible changes to transit routes through Armenia and says it remains committed to respecting borders and the sovereignty of its neighbors.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the South Caucasus is of major geopolitical and economic importance for Iran. He also mentioned that Tehran is closely watching developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially the new peace process announced by the two countries. 

Baghaei mentioned that Iran has long-standing relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. He confirmed that Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan may visit Tehran soon.

“Our ties with Armenia are long-standing and strong, given that the main issue is the Armenian transit route, which shall pass through the territory of Armenia,” Baghaei said. He described the 40-kilometer border between Iran and Armenia as one of the safest and a “border of friendship.”

He mentioned that Iran supports the unblocking and expansion of transport and communication links in the region, but warned that such projects must not contradict international law or violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state. 

“We categorically do not consider any kind of intervention by external powers useful for the security and stability of this region,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran had already expressed its objection and would raise the issue again in future talks with Armenia.

The briefing took place shortly before a phone conversation between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Armenian government, Pashinyan told the president about the talks held on August 8 in Washington, D.C., and spoke about the positive impact peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan could have on the region. He said that any new regional transport routes will fully respect each country’s borders, sovereignty, and laws, and will be based on mutual agreement.

Pashinyan also thanked President Pezeshkian for his objective view of the Washington agreements and commented on the importance of the Iranian leader’s planned visit to Armenia.

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