Iran-Armenia’s resilient relations
By Bahram
Amir-Ahmadian
Central Asia, Caucasus affairs expert
The relationship between Iran and Armenia has long stood out as exceptionally close, with top-level exchanges frequently taking place between officials from both sides. Both countries play pivotal roles in each other’s foreign policy agendas. Armenia holds strategic significance for Iran — and vice versa — in light of recent geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus.
Following Armenia’s defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, its vulnerability increased, giving way to new regional dynamics. External players began to wade into the crisis, further fueling tensions over the Karabakh issue.
Under the Russia-brokered cease-fire agreement, there was an understanding that ethnic Armenians in Karabakh would remain connected to Armenia via the Lachin Corridor, while Azerbaijan would gain transit access through the territory to Nakhchivan, using existing Soviet-era roads and railways. However, Azerbaijan later began pushing for wider control over the corridor, with ambitions that extended far beyond what was initially agreed. Armenia, citing international law, resisted any arrangement that would entail ceding sovereignty over its land.
The resulting standoff ignited a fresh round of friction in the Caucasus, drawing in Iran. During the late president Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to the Khoda-Afarin Dam — located near the proposed corridor — Iran reiterated its stance: revive the Aras Corridor instead. This route, closed since the onset of hostilities in 1988, would run through Iranian territory to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, bypassing Armenian soil.
Iran, at the same time, is opposed to the idea of creating what is known as the Zangezur Corridor unless it operates under full Armenian sovereignty, with Armenian officials maintaining control over entry and exit points and receiving transit fees, in line with international norms.
Despite all the challenges, Iran is working to maintain friendly ties with both its neighbors. As for Armenia, Tehran and Yerevan have been stepping up cooperation, not just diplomatically but also economically. With high-level visits and continuous dialogue, both sides are exploring infrastructure investment opportunities, including joint efforts on road and railway construction. Iran has also been inviting investors to participate in Armenian projects, signaling a broader strategy to cement its role in Armenia’s development.
Such initiatives are overseen by the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee, which is tasked with ensuring that agreements are followed through on schedule. As a result of these efforts, Armenia’s trade relations through Iran with other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries have seen marked improvement. Iran, in turn, views Armenia as a gateway for accessing European markets, especially amid ongoing sanctions.
Iran’s observer status in the EAEU has also paved the way for stronger commercial ties, offering new economic breathing room in otherwise constrained circumstances. These developments have contributed to a modest but meaningful economic upswing, allowing both nations to reap mutual benefits.
Beyond trade and transit, Iran and Armenia share deep historical ties. Iran enjoys a respected position within Armenia, and there are no significant anti-Iranian forces at play there. One striking example of this bond is the Friendship Bridge built by Iran across the Aras River, providing Armenia with a lifeline to the south when it was under blockade from both the east and west.
During a visit to Armenia, I was at a formal gathering in which the then-speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly said, “This Friendship Bridge saved Armenia from poverty and despair. At a time of dire crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran came to our aid. We consider ourselves indebted to Iran.”
In sum, Iran and Armenia have managed to carve out a resilient partnership in a volatile region — one that balances diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, and firm resistance against unilateral encroachment. The unfolding events in the Caucasus could test this relationship, but the foundations remain solid.