Iran's Entry Should Not Be Blocked Due to Corridor Between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Iranian Foreign Ministry

The planned transport corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not block Iran's access to other transit routes. This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a phone conversation with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Details about the conversation were provided by the Iranian news agency Tesnim.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry had previously announced the phone conversation on August 11, but had not released details from the Iranian minister's remarks. According to the Iranian source, Araghchi welcomed the preliminary signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, expressing Iran's concerns, he emphasized that the new corridor connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan and granting the U.S. a 99-year lease for development through southern Armenia should not alter the geopolitical balance of the region or sever Iran's connections to other routes.

Araghchi also stressed that any decision regarding this matter should respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries involved. He stated that any plans for the creation of a corridor must align with the demands for stability and security in the region.

Mirzoyan presented Araghchi with the latest developments concerning the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the establishment of the new corridor. He emphasized the importance of Tehran's stance on geopolitical sensitivities, regional peace, and mutual interests, assuring that Yerevan will consider these factors in any decision-making process. Mirzoyan also highlighted that Armenia values its friendly relations with Iran, which are based on fraternity and mutual interests.