TEHRAN – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the “special and distinguished” position of Yerevan’s relationship with Tehran, calling the relationship “strategic” and pledges that all major decisions will be made in close consultations with Iran.
Speaking on the phone with Iranian President Maud Pezeshkian on Monday morning, Pashinyan explained to him about the recent memorandum of peace signed between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and outlined details of the planned Caucasian Transit Corridor Project. He thanked the Islamic Republic and the Pezeshkian regime for their “principle stance” to support regional convergence and stability.
“It is invaluable to us that Iran’s emphasis on preserving Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Pashinyan said. “We will not sign a contract unless we fully assure that the interests, considerations and sensitivity of our friends and neighbors, Iran, are respected.”
President Pezeschkian described his relationship with Armenia as “strategic,” saying that the bilateral interactions are consistently constructive, rooted in the goodness of their neighbors and based on mutual respect for territorial integrity. “The principled and rational approach has always provided a solid foundation for strengthening friendly and strategic ties between Tehran and Yerevan,” he said, adding that attempts to undermine these “historical and deep-rooted” relationships will be firmly rejected by both sides.
Pezeshkian has reiterated that Iran will welcome the agreement, particularly to strengthen the peace of its neighbors, as “anchoring of regional peace, stability and security.”
The Iranian president has addressed the planned Caucasian Transit Corridor Project, including US participation, to protect Armenian sovereignty and to prevent the involvement of military or security forces in the implementation of the project. He warned against our moves that could potentially pursue the “hegemonic purpose” of the region under the guise of investment and peacebuilding. “We must make this route truly serve as a path of peace and development rather than a tool to advance the expansionist purpose of foreign forces,” he said.
Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong neighbourial relations between Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying their continuity depends on vigilance, coordination, solidarity and the elimination of foreign interference. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always prioritized regional relations, particularly the common interests of its neighbors. I also believe that this perspective will also be viewed as a fundamental priority by the countries in the region,” he added.
Under a deal signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on Friday, Armenia recognized the US’s exclusive right to develop corridors in South Sheenik, crossing the border with Iran.