HHJ: The 'Maneuver' to Counter the Azerbaijani-Turkish Blockade via Iran. What Format is the Iran Expert Proposing?

The Armenian Time newspaper reports that one of the key outcomes of the Eurasian Economic Union's Supreme Council meeting held in Yerevan was a temporary agreement with Iran, which will come into force in October, establishing free trade and economic links between the EEU countries and Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani deemed his participation in the meeting a historic event. We discussed the results of Rouhani's visit with Iran expert Vardan Voskanyan:

- Mr. Voskanyan, a photo has circulated online where Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are seen laughing together. It is evident that Rouhani is very pleased with his visit to Armenia, which he did not hide, calling his participation in the Supreme Council meeting a historic event. In your opinion, what did Armenia gain from Rouhani's visit?

- The fact that the meeting took place in Yerevan and the participation of the Iranian president was extremely important. I believe the meeting between Rouhani and Putin can be considered historical. Exactly 200 years ago, on October 1, 1827, the Russian troops entered Yerevan after overcoming the resistance of the Iranian garrison. At that time, Armenia as a state did not exist, and Armenians participated in the war on both sides. Now, thank God, Armenia is a state, and the same two sides are meeting on the same date, conversing amicably in the very city where they had a bloody war nearly 200 years ago. This is an incredibly interesting circumstance, vital for the perspective of our country.

- Mr. Voskanyan, you evaluated the Putin-Rouhani meeting as historic. I would like to confirm with you whether you believe there will be any continuation of this?

- I think it would be extremely effective if Armenia could develop a format where high-ranking leaders from Iran, Armenia, and Russia meet right on Armenian territory. This could be called the Yerevan format or might find another name, but it could be very effective and useful for enhancing our country's international reputation and, in the language of chess, putting our adversaries in check.

For more details, see today's issue of the newspaper.