Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, on Wednesday accused Armenian authorities of tolerating what he described as offensive and hostile actions against Tehran, warning that Armenia risks becoming a platform for anti-Iranian forces.
“Iranian officials are concerned that a group of people is being allowed to come to the Iranian embassy, uttering improper and insulting remarks. We have repeatedly complained to relevant agencies in Armenia, but the picketers have acted with impunity,” Shirgholami said at a press conference.
He went further, claiming that Tehran is forming the impression that Armenia is turning into a hub for forces hostile to Iran. According to the ambassador, if “hostile forces succeed in fragmenting Iran, Armenia would also be among the losers.”
The remarks refer to daily protest actions held by members of Yerevan’s Iranian community in a park across the street from the Iranian embassy in the Arabkir district. The demonstrations have remained non-violent, with participants protesting the killing of demonstrators in Iran and calling for secular governance instead of religious rule.
Armenia’s Interior Ministry responded later in the day, rejecting the criticism and emphasizing that the country fully guarantees the security of all accredited diplomatic missions, including the embassy of “friendly Iran,” while upholding constitutional freedoms.
“Armenia ensures the security of all accredited diplomatic representations and guarantees the conditions necessary for their normal functioning,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry stressed that all assemblies have been handled in accordance with the law, with security ensured both for demonstrators and for the embassy building. It added that during one of the protests, one participant was subjected to administrative detention for failing to comply with the lawful demand of a police officer.
“As a democratic state, Armenia is obliged not to obstruct the exercise of citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly,” the statement said.
Law enforcement officers guard the perimeter of the Iranian embassy and prevent protesters from crossing the road or blocking access to the building. Police intervene when individuals approach the embassy too closely or ignore lawful instructions, but otherwise do not act against demonstrators as long as they remain within legal boundaries.
At the same press conference, Shirgholami also commented on broader geopolitical issues, saying that “US President Donald Trump will leave one day, but the friendship between Iran and Armenia will remain.”
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries doing business with Iran, ratcheting up pressure on its government, which is facing its biggest protests in decades.
Addressing Trump’s threats the ambassador said Tehran has a strong economy and is accustomed to working under difficult conditions.
“We are still working with our partners under the heavy sanctions previously imposed by Trump. Cooperation is based on mutual benefit. The main thing is political will, according to which cooperation should continue despite existing difficulties,” Shirgholami said.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said Iran and Armenia are preparing a strategic partnership agreement, expressing hope that the document will be signed later this year during a meeting of high-ranking officials.
According to Shirgholami, the two sides are currently exchanging views on the text of the agreement, which he said is aimed at institutionalizing bilateral relations at a high level.
The protests in Yerevan are linked to ongoing unrest in Iran, which began in late December. Iranian officials have said around 2,000 people have been killed, while international human rights groups and media outlets have cited figures as high as 12,000, though these figures remain unverified due to internet shutdowns and limited access to information inside the country.
