Baghaian on Armenia's Proposals and Azerbaijan's Statements

Iran supports Armenia's "Peace Crossroads" initiative and believes that its implementation will be beneficial for the entire region. Tehran is convinced that connectivity is a key component of economic development and prosperity.

In an interview with Armenpress, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaian, discussed the discussions around the unblocking of economic and transportation infrastructures in the South Caucasus, in this context addressing Armenia's proposals and Azerbaijan's ongoing statements regarding the extraterritorial corridor.

Below is the interview:

Baghaian also referred to Armenia's policy of deepening relations with the West and Iran’s stance regarding it, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, as well as the recent phone call between President Pezeshkian and President Aliyev, during which the Iranian president urged his Azerbaijani counterpart to investigate reports alleging that Israel used Azerbaijani airspace to launch an attack against Iran.

The interview took place in Tehran on July 29.

"In the context of unblocking transport and economic communications in the South Caucasus, Armenia has proposed the 'Peace Crossroads' initiative, based on principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, legality, and reciprocity, while Azerbaijan continues to demand an extraterritorial corridor from Armenia to connect with Nakhchivan. What is Iran's position on this issue?"

"Let me put it this way. First, we greatly value our bilateral relations with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. They are our neighbors, and we are committed to continuing our good neighborly policy with both states. We have strong ties of friendship with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Regarding Armenia, we have a very vibrant and important Armenian community in Iran, which we are proud of. For us, it is vital to ensure peace and stability in the South Caucasus because we perceive the peace and security of that region as an integral part of our own peace and security. We will make every possible effort to establish peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

As for transport routes, we have always supported them because we are convinced that connectivity is a key component of economic development and the well-being of both Armenians and Azerbaijanis, as well as Iranians. We sincerely hope that these initiatives will yield positive results. We have supported Armenia's 'Peace Crossroads' initiative and consider it beneficial for the entire region.

At the same time, we have clearly stated that any transport route must be implemented while respecting internationally recognized borders and without violating the sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state. Thus, while we support the expansion of transport routes and connections between the countries of the South Caucasus and Iran, we must be genuinely cautious. First, we should not alter internationally recognized borders, nor violate the national sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state.

Another important point that we have always emphasized and believe that all regional states should appreciate is that third parties, non-regional actors, should not be allowed to interfere in South Caucasus affairs. Such interventions will only complicate the situation and will not serve the interests of regional states. This is our principled position that we have always articulated and will continue to adhere to."