Iran's Foreign Ministry Encourages Both Armenia and Azerbaijan

Iran supports Armenia's "Peace Crossing" initiative. In an interview with Armenpress, Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced that they have reached an agreement on a peace treaty. The Armenian side has indicated that it is ready to sign the agreement at any time; however, Azerbaijan continues to present new preconditions.

Regarding the possibility of peace in such circumstances, Baghaei stated, "Of course, it is possible. If there is a will, there is always a way. We understand the history of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the complexities that may hinder negotiations and prolong the peace process. But I believe we must see the positive side and remain optimistic. The positivity is that the parties have managed to develop a draft peace treaty. We know that it will take some time to finalize it, but the fact that you have done this, and most of the document has already been agreed upon, is a positive signal. Both states are, in our view, willing to move in that direction. We encourage both Armenia and Azerbaijan to finalize the peace agreement and sign it.

I was with Minister Araqchi when he visited Yerevan, and I was also present at his meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart. In both meetings, he urged the parties to expedite the process and finalize the agreement, as it would be a fundamental guarantee of lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

Armenia has adopted a balanced and stabilizing foreign policy and is enhancing relations with the EU and the USA in this context. There are expert opinions suggesting that Armenia's current policy is against Iran and unacceptable to Tehran. Can you clarify Iran's position on this matter?

Armenia seeks to diversify its foreign policy and improve relations with various states. This is normal. We have good relations with Armenia. We are friendly peoples. There is a history of trust-based relations between our two countries, and I believe both Iran and Armenia should value this foundation. I am confident that both countries are interested in maintaining their friendly relations, as this corresponds to the interests of our peoples.

It is important for Iran that no neighboring state's relations with other countries be used against Iran. This also stems from the principles of international law, which prohibits the use of a state's territory or capabilities against another state. And I believe that Armenia understands this important principle very well.

Thus, it is crucial for Iran that its neighbors maintain their relations with other actors in a manner that does not undermine Iran’s interests.

One month ago, the President of Iran had a phone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan and called on him to investigate reports that Israel had used Azerbaijani airspace to attack Iran. Does Iran have evidence regarding the use of Azerbaijan’s airspace by Israel, and do you have information on whether the Azerbaijani side has investigated these reports?

As I mentioned, we have the same expectation from both Azerbaijan and Armenia, or any other neighboring state. That phone conversation was not intended to make specific accusations; it was just another discussion between presidents covering various bilateral and regional issues. During that conversation, President Pezeshkian also raised this issue.

However, I must repeat that it does not mean that Azerbaijan was involved in Israel's attack. This was simply a reminder that all states have the obligation under international law to prevent misuse of their territory by third parties against another state. And this applies not only to Azerbaijan. We could raise the same concerns with other neighboring countries, as we know that Israel has also used the territories of other countries for actions against Iran.

Thus, this was not a specific accusation but a general reminder directed at all neighbors to remain vigilant, for we are dealing with an enemy that holds no respect for international law and legality. This requires that we all be cautious and prevent those powers from harming our relations.