TEHRAN – Iranian President Masudo Pezeshkian began a tour of two countries on Monday, launching a tour of two countries to get their first visit on regional issues, including blocking recent US military access with Azerbaijan, which could lead to the presence of US military near Iran’s northern border, and blocking access to Central Asia.
Pezeschkian was accepted by many high-ranking Armenian officials upon his arrival in Yerevan. He then attended a meeting with Armenian Iranologists, where he spoke about the deep historical connections between the two countries and encouraged researchers to further deepen Iran’s history, culture and people’s knowledge.
“The people of Iran and Armenian have never witnessed anything other than goodwill, kindness or friendship with one another. We can help to make these bonds even better,” the president told the academic room.
Before leaving Tehran, Pezeschkian addressed the camera while adjacent to some of his ministers. He said his stay in Armenia would include signing a significant bilateral cooperation deal. “During this visit, an important memo of understanding and agreement will be signed, opening up a new perspective to prepare appropriate economic and social positions within the country, which will be beneficial to the progress and progress of our dear country,” he said.
Iran shares a small land border with Armenia. This has been the focus of Yerevan Baku’s tensions over the past few years. Azerbaijan is attempting to connect the mainland through new corridors to its neighbors of Iran and Armenia. Iran does not oppose transportation routes in the region, but it says it is a red line that interferes with its connection with Armenia. The recent US-brokered peace agreement signed at the White House between Yerevan and Baku further promotes Iran’s concerns as it acquires the US exclusive right to develop a route through Armenia, which is adjacent to Iran. Despite the non-binding nature of the contract, which requires approval of implementation from the Armenian Parliament, Tehran has already expressed strong opposition to the possibility of US ownership of its transport routes. Since the signing of the contract, multiple calls have been made between the top Iranians and Armenian officials, with Armenia pledging to consider Iran’s concerns about the new developments in the South Caucasus.
While making his remarks in Tehran, Pezeschkian expressed concern about US companies operating in the region, citing past cases in which such companies engage in unexpected and unwelcome behavior under the cover of their business activities. “Given these concerns, we will have serious discussions on the challenges posed by this issue,” he added.
The Iranian president travels to Belarus after completing his visit to Armenia. Pezeschkian emphasized the growing relations between the two countries in economic, cultural, scientific and social spheres. He said he hopes for further cooperation in technology transfer, agriculture, industrial and social initiatives.
“Belarus has consistently supported Iran at international forums, including condemning Israeli attacks and Gaza attacks on our country,” he noted. The president added that Iran has important potential for cooperation with like-minded countries on strategic issues.