We Will Raise Our Concerns Again, Which Are Known to Our Armenian Friends - Araqchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi addressed the recent regional developments, stating: "There is another concern that this route could serve as a pretext for the presence of American forces in the region." According to him, representatives of the Armenian authorities assured their officials during a meeting that they respect Iran's red lines. "They assured that there will be no American forces in Armenia because of this route, even American private security companies, which, as you know, are present in some countries in the region, will not have a presence in Armenia under the pretext of this route," he stated.

He emphasized that these issues will be discussed during the Iranian president's visit to Armenia. "We will raise our concerns again, which are known to our Armenian friends; this will be the subject of our discussion."

"Our policy has been shaped within the framework of the 3+3 format, that is, three countries of the Caucasus region—Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia—plus three neighboring countries—Iran, Turkey, and Russia—that share interests and common concerns in the region. There have already been 2-3 meetings in the 3+3 format. Although Georgia does not participate due to its disagreements with Russia, this format is so important for the countries of the region that it has been decided to continue meetings even in Georgia's absence while maintaining the name '3+3'. This format has not yet reached the point of solving the region's issues, but our political stance is that regional problems should be solved by the countries of the region. I believe that Russia and, I think, Turkey and other friends share the same political stance," Araqchi asserted.

He insisted that the countries of the region support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.