Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a condolence letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the deaths of Iranian leaders and citizens, expressing concern over developments in Iran and honoring the role of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in advancing Armenia–Iran relations.
The letter, published by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, begins by noting that Armenia is following developments in Iran “with great concern” and extends condolences over the losses among the country’s leadership and citizens. Pashinyan emphasizes that Armenia will “always remember” Khamenei’s personal role in strengthening bilateral ties. He also expresses hope for the “swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East,” wishing patience and strength to the Iranian president and peace and resilience to the Iranian people.
The Prime Minister’s message came two days after confirmation of Khamenei’s assassination.
Armenian and Iranian Foreign Ministers Hold Phone Call
The condolence letter was followed by a brief statement from Armenia’s Foreign Ministry regarding a phone call between Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.
According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s statement, the ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East. Mirzoyan expressed condolences to the families of those killed in Iran and emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and achieving a peaceful resolution. The two sides also addressed humanitarian issues.
However, unlike the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s statement, which did not mention condolences over Khamenei’s assassination, Iran’s Embassy in Armenia reported that Mirzoyan conveyed condolences for both the civilian victims and the Supreme Leader’s death.
According to the embassy, Armenia also expressed readiness to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to Tehran. Araghchi reportedly stated that Iran is engaged in a large-scale war and that the Islamic Republic has targeted Israel and American military bases in the region in response.
“Iran is prepared to continue self-defense as long as necessary, as well as to avenge the blood of its martyred leader,” Araghchi said, according to the embassy.
Iranian Ambassador Criticizes US and Israel
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, said the attack against Iran took place at a time when Tehran was demonstrating maximum goodwill in negotiations. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Shirgholami stated that Iran had submitted “prompt, precise, and highly feasible proposals” to the United States before the attack.
“The attack by the US and the Zionist regime (Israel) took place at a time when Iran was demonstrating maximum goodwill to achieve success in these negotiations,” the ambassador said, adding that it was “very surprising” for Tehran that a system unable to adhere to negotiation principles had entered talks at all.
Debate Over Security Risks and Domestic Agenda
At the same time, the ruling party faced criticism for continuing active party campaigning despite the escalating regional conflict unfolding along Armenia’s borders. Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan insisted that, according to the Security Council’s assessment, there is no threat to Armenia’s security.
“There is no danger threatening our country’s security. I want to understand why we should deviate from the domestic agenda, and what should have been done to make it obvious that the government is concerned and anxious,” Galyan said, responding to journalists’ questions about Armenia’s reaction to the recent developments in the region.
