67 People Have Already Applied to Move from Iran to Armenia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There has been no issue with the Iranian side regarding the partial closure of the border with Iran, as this pertains to an extraordinary situation where extraordinary laws apply. This was stated by Arsen Avagyan, head of the Department of Neighboring Countries of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during an interview with the "Every Day" program.

“Neighboring countries have also closed their borders with Iran. Specifically, in our region, there is a visa-free regime between Armenia and Turkey, while Georgia and Azerbaijan have a visa regime with Iran. Previously, Kuwait, Iraq, and Turkey had imposed restrictions on air and land communication with Iran. Georgia and Azerbaijan also imposed these restrictions, and accordingly, the Iranian side understands the situation as it is an extraordinary circumstance,” he said.

When asked whether there had been consultations at the level of Foreign Ministries before making a decision, Avagyan responded, “Naturally, we are in constant communication with our friendly country and we receive information through all those channels. Our embassy actively plays a role in providing information and maintaining connections with the Iranian side.”

Regarding the limitation of the consular services of the Armenian Embassy in Tehran, it was unclear what this meant and why it was done, he replied, “First, let me clarify that the Armenian Embassy in Iran provides consular services related to Armenian citizens. This includes the issuance of return certificates and the extension of passports, all functions related to citizens are being carried out. The restrictions are associated with issues concerning business operations there, the issuance of certificates, and similar matters. The embassy had issued a statement to establish contact with Armenian citizens.”

“Currently, 67 individuals have already applied, and there is a flight tomorrow to transport these citizens to Armenia. The restrictions are only in relation to the fact that if the border is partially closed and flow is reduced, naturally, those functions will not be performed,” he added.

In response to the comment that this means Armenian citizens do not have any type of problem and cannot encounter any, he affirmed, “Armenian citizens have no type of issue and cannot have any. The embassy is in constant contact with Armenian citizens. Moreover, contact has been established with our citizens through the regions of Tabriz, Tehran, and Isfahan, and a hotline has been opened for them to reach out to the embassy. All the needs of our citizens are being addressed, and the embassy supports their return to the homeland.”