Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has stated that relations between Iran and Armenia are on an upward trajectory, emphasizing deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The remarks were made during a diplomatic meeting in Tehran this week, highlighting Iran’s growing focus on regional diplomacy amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus.
According to Araghchi, the two neighboring nations are entering a “new era” of mutual engagement, underscored by shared interests in economic development, border security, energy cooperation, and regional stability. “Iran and Armenia have always enjoyed friendly relations, but today, those ties are expanding more strategically and meaningfully,” he said.
The statement comes amid ongoing regional realignments following Azerbaijan’s military victory in Nagorno-Karabakh and the re-establishment of control over territories previously held by ethnic Armenian forces. The developments have altered regional dynamics, prompting both Iran and Armenia to bolster their diplomatic and economic cooperation in response.
Iran has consistently advocated for peaceful solutions to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and has maintained balanced relations with both countries. However, the recent shifting borders near Iran’s northern frontier, especially in the Syunik province of Armenia, have increased Tehran’s strategic interest in solidifying its alliance with Yerevan.
Araghchi emphasized that Tehran supports Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and views a stable and secure Armenia as vital for regional peace. “We will never allow foreign intervention or instability along our borders,” he declared, alluding to concerns over growing Turkish and Israeli influence in the South Caucasus.
In his remarks, Araghchi also outlined plans to enhance economic ties through energy exchange, trade, infrastructure development, and joint investment initiatives. Iran and Armenia are reportedly discussing an expansion of the Meghri Free Economic Zone near the border and a possible extension of gas and electricity swap agreements.
On the energy front, Iran already exports natural gas to Armenia in exchange for electricity under a long-standing barter deal. Both countries have expressed interest in expanding this arrangement to include more comprehensive energy cooperation, including infrastructure upgrades and new pipelines.
Transport connectivity is also high on the agenda. Tehran and Yerevan are working to strengthen road and rail links, particularly through the North-South transport corridor, which could serve as a crucial route linking the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. The corridor is viewed by Iran as a strategic alternative to bypass routes controlled by geopolitical rivals.
Diplomatic observers note that this growing alignment comes at a time when Armenia’s relationship with some of its traditional allies, including Russia, is facing strain. Iran appears to be stepping into the vacuum to provide strategic reassurance and economic partnership without preconditions. Araghchi hinted that Iran is prepared to play a “constructive mediating role” in broader regional peace efforts.
The meeting also included discussions on cultural and academic collaboration. Both sides agreed to boost university exchange programs, Persian-language studies in Armenian institutions, and Armenian cultural events in Iranian cities.
In the context of rising tensions in the Middle East and continued instability in the Caucasus, the Iran-Armenia partnership is increasingly seen by analysts as a calculated move by Tehran to secure its northern frontier, diversify its regional alliances, and counterbalance influence from adversaries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration is prioritizing diplomacy with neighboring countries and sees regional cooperation as essential to both economic resilience and geopolitical security.
The visit concluded with both sides expressing optimism about the future of Iran-Armenia relations. As Araghchi put it, “Our nations are neighbors by geography, but partners by choice—and this partnership is only growing stronger.”
Source: Mehr News
