Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, has expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate with Armenia at any level, emphasizing the mutual understanding and interests of both countries.
The Ambassador highlighted the potential for cooperation in various spheres, including military, particularly against the backdrop of threats from Azerbaijan, during a conversation with journalists at Iran’s Embassy.
He noted that the extent of this cooperation depends on Armenia’s Government, stating, “We expressed our readiness to cooperate based on mutual understanding, which will be in the interests of our two countries. We are ready to cooperate with Armenia in all areas,” as he once again emphasized that cooperation with Armenia is possible at any level, but it must be based on mutual understanding and perception.
The Ambassador also discussed Iran’s opposition to any changes to internationally recognized borders. Speaking on the day of Iran’s 14th presidential election, Ambassador Sobhani underscored the significance of the election for Iran and its people, describing it as a testament to the Iranian government’s foundation on the people’s vote. He expressed hope that the election results would benefit both Iran and Iran-Armenia relations.
When asked if the elections would affect Iran’s relations with Armenia, Ambassador Sobhani reaffirmed Iran’s principled stance: “Our policy towards Armenia is very principled. The governments that come to power act within the framework of that policy. Iran’s principled policy towards Armenia was voiced by the leader of the Iranian revolution, it was also emphasized during the meeting with the [Armenian] prime minister in Iran. We respect the territorial integrity of Armenia and support it. We are against any change of internationally recognized borders, as well as any geopolitical change. That principled policy will never change, regardless of whether the governments in Iran and Armenia may change. Armenia is an important country for us, it is our good and honest neighbor. The security and interests of the two countries are intertwined. This principled policy cannot be changed by a change of governments.”
The ambassador also addressed recent tensions with Azerbaijan. “They should not speak in the language of threats if it is about peace dialogue,” Sobhani said when asked what Iran’s response would be and what actions it could take in case of a possible military aggression by Azerbaijan against Armenia. He reiterated that Iran’s cooperation with Armenia, including any military collaboration, depends on the Armenian government’s decisions. “As for the form of our collaboration with Armenia, it depends on the Armenian government. We have expressed our readiness based on mutual perceptions; whatever will be in the interests of our two countries, we are ready to collaborate with Armenia in all domains.”
In addition, Sobhani spoke on the Palestinian issue, reaffirming Iran’s stance against Israel and supporting Armenia’s recognition of the State of Palestine. “This brave and positive step taken by Armenia shows that the international community attaches importance to the rights of the Palestinian people and opposes the violation of rights that is manifested by the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people. Those countries that support the Palestinian people and their rights are on the right side of history. The crimes committed by the Zionist regime are known to the world. Whoever is silent about them is a participant in the crimes committed by the Zionist regime,” he added.
In summary, Iran remains committed to deepening its cooperation with Armenia across various sectors, including military, and maintains a firm stance on respecting Armenia’s territorial integrity and opposing changes to internationally recognized borders.
