Raeisi to Pashinyan: Any geographic change in region a red line
Assuring Armenia of Iran’s opposition to any alteration to regional boundaries, President Ebrahim Raeisi said Iran is prepared to play “an effective role” as a “powerful neighbor” to prevent regional clashes or geopolitical changes.
After being briefed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about the latest developments in the Caucasus, Raeisi reaffirmed Iran’s support for the territorial integrity of all regional states, according to Tasnim news agency.
In particular, reference was made to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the accumulation of Azerbaijani troops around Nagorno-Karabakh, the tendencies of increasing tension on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.
The Iranian president stated, “We believe that regional issues need to be resolved through dialogue among regional countries. We are seriously opposed to foreign countries gaining a foothold in the Caucasus region.”
The president also expressed Iran’s readiness to contribute to the settlement of disputes via diplomatic negotiations.
He further hailed the growing economic cooperation between Tehran and Yerevan, saying Iran is prepared to broaden economic and trade ties with Armenia and expedite the implementation of bilateral agreements.
For his part, Pashinyan praised Iran for its effective and constructive role in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening regional peace, stability, and security.
He expressed his willingness to hold urgent discussions with the president of Azerbaijan, aimed at reducing tensions, the readout said.
Pashinyan also expressed appreciation for Iran’s stances on the Caucasus and briefed the Iranian president on the economic cooperation between the two neighbors and efforts to speed up the implementation of bilateral deals concluded during his visit to Tehran in November 2022.