The Presence of Other Countries Hinders Settlement in the South Caucasus, Says Iran's Ambassador in Russia

The next meeting of the '3+3' consultative platform may take place again this year, announced Kazem Jalali, Iran's Ambassador in Russia. The diplomat expressed hope that Georgia would be a participant. He also deemed this format to be the most useful for resolving issues in the South Caucasus.

"The '3+3' format is the most useful for resolving issues in the region. I hope the new meeting will again take place this year," Jalali stated. He recalled that the previous meeting in this format was held in Tehran, which he called successful.

Jalali added that the intervention of other states, particularly great powers, not only escalates the situation but also heightens the risk of escalation in the South Caucasus. "The presence of other countries hinders settlement in the South Caucasus. The six countries of this region—Russia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia—are the best experts on this region, rather than other countries," Jalali emphasized.