If Tehran Says It Supports Armenia's Territorial Integrity, It Doesn't Only Refer to the South: Ambassador Sobhani

Tehran is closely monitoring the developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This was stated today, on March 22, by Mehdi Sobhani, the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, in a conversation with NEWS.am, referring to the Armenian authorities' decision to hand over four non-enclaved villages in the Tavush region to Azerbaijan at Baku's request.

“We are watching the developments very closely. I must say that we are not pleased with the rhetoric of tension that is being circulated. We believe that any problem should be solved through dialogue. We need to pour water on the fire; if we pour oil, it will ignite,” said the ambassador.

When asked whether Tehran sees a danger that Azerbaijan might attack Armenia, the Iranian ambassador responded, “We hope that such a thing will not happen.” Tehran has repeatedly stated that any encroachment against Syunik is unacceptable to them, and Armenia's territorial integrity is a red line. Will Tehran's position be the same in the case of a possible encroachment against Tavush? “If we say we support the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, it does not only refer to the south,” stated Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani.