When an ambassador speaks, he is not simply answering a question. He is setting out a legal, historical, and strategic framework. In this interview with Nexus Intellect Research, Khalil Shirgholami, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, describes bilateral ties as “civilizational and historical relations formed upon the bedrock of thousands of years of connection and integration between the two nations.” The formulation presents the relationship as one that predates modern states and governments and is expected to outlast contemporary political pressure.

On regional security, the ambassador invokes international law, describes Iran as acting in self-defense, and sets out Tehran’s position on the United States, Israel, regional connectivity, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and the role of neighboring and extra-regional actors. The interview is presented below in full. The ambassador’s answers have not been substantively altered.

How do you assess the current state of Armenia-Iran relations, and which areas does Tehran view as the most realistic priorities for further deepening bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade, infrastructure, security, culture, technology, or other fields?

The relations between Iran and Armenia are civilizational and historical relations formed upon the bedrock of thousands of years of connection and integration between the two nations. It encompasses highly diverse fields and aspects and possesses excellent capacities for much further development and expansion. In all conceivable major fields, there are still many untapped capacities. In the energy sector, there is the possibility of energy integration between Iran and Armenia and the strengthening of Armenia's energy security through Iran's capacities. Whether in the further development of natural gas trade and transit, exploring the feasibility of establishing a joint refinery, or in the field of electricity exchange, there remain numerous unfulfilled capacities that we must plan for. The same applies to trade; the volume of trade exchanges does not reflect the realities and the valuable capacities of our relations. In the infrastructure sector, Iran can serve as one of the main pillars of infrastructure development in Armenia, just as Iranian companies are currently active there. In certain major connectivity projects, we believe that establishing a railway connection between Iran and Armenia via the Nakhchivan route, extending to the Black Sea, must be a major priority on the agenda of both countries. There is good capacity in the fields of technology; technological transformation and development have begun in Armenia, and Iran, given its own technological achievements, can play a very important role. Cultural and sporting fields, as well as people-to-people connections, hold endless capacities that we can continue to work on. The positive sentiments the two nations hold for one another and their mutual affinities can serve as the primary foundation and the main basis for the development of cooperation for the future of our relations.

Armenia has recently intensified its engagement with the European Union and the United States. From Iran’s perspective, how can Armenia’s relations with Europe and the United States be balanced in a way that strengthens Armenia’s sovereignty and regional stability without creating new dividing lines in the South Caucasus?

Regarding Armenia's relations with Europe and the United States, in any case, the diversification of Armenia's partnerships and foreign relations is an issue on the Armenian government's agenda, and this is an understandable policy. However, this policy has certain considerations and nuances that I believe must be observed. The main issue here is that sometimes when extra-regional actors enter a region—specifically here, the South Caucasus region—they may have and pursue certain aspirations and objectives. Geopolitical objectives and aspirations that, instead of leading to the consolidation of stability and security, cause the creation of rifts and the emergence of potentials for tension; this requires careful attention. Establishing or developing ties with Europe and America should not cause Armenia to neglect its traditional and vital relations with actors that are within the region or are neighbors; meaning that the foundations of intra-regional relations are extremely robust, based on historical and civilizational contexts, and built upon genuine platforms of connectivity and integration. Care must be taken so that the development of relations with new actors does not lead to a rupture in valuable historical and civilizational relations. Another point is that the development of relations with new actors must not lead to distancing, cause unnecessary tensions with other partners, or create misunderstandings. Because sometimes the approach of certain extra-regional actors, which is an approach of geopolitical ambitions, may create misunderstandings and, in fact, create fault lines between the target country and its neighbors or partners. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of these nuances. We believe that intra-regional capacities are sufficient for the development of the region and the advancement of peace and stability—provided we move in that direction and strive to utilize the capacities of intra-regional actors to advance projects of peace and economic development.

How does Iran evaluate the discussions surrounding TRIPP and broader regional connectivity initiatives? What are Tehran’s main principles regarding the opening of communications, Armenia’s territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and the rejection of any extraterritorial logic?

In the discussion of TRIPP and regional connectivity, look, because Iran defines Armenia's interests, Armenia's development, and a strong Armenia within the framework of its own strategy, it naturally welcomes the unlocking and activation of Armenia's various capacities, including in the fields of transit and connectivity. We welcome the simultaneous activation of all capacities and the unblocking of routes from various directions—East-West, North-South—all of these being carried out together. In fact, the approach should be one of mutual interests and a win-win approach. It is for this reason that we believe the capacity of Armenia's North-South connections, whether by road or rail, must be activated in this new environment. Specifically regarding TRIPP itself, considering that American companies with a 74% share are slated to implement the project, and given the hostile nature of US policy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran—which has been proven time and again and still continues—the Islamic Republic of Iran's sensitivity regarding the nature of the US presence near Iran's border with Armenia, and how the project will be executed, is high. In any case, through communication and dialogue between Iran and Armenia, these sensitivities must be addressed, they must be reduced, and we must safeguard the relationship. Ultimately, our concern in this context is that these relations, as an important asset of the two nations of Iran and Armenia, must be preserved and not be influenced by third-party actors.

How does Iran view the prospects of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and how does Tehran respond to rhetoric that has at times emerged from Azerbaijani official or political circles and may be perceived as challenging Iran’s sovereign territory, border security, or regional balance?

Look, we definitely support the peace process between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. We believe that peace and stability are the foundation of development and the foundation for implementing projects that can benefit all the nations of the region. At the same time, we believe that peace must be based on everyone being satisfied with their own rights, devoid of any historical covetousness, devoid of any geopolitical covetousness, and by taking realities into account. Therefore, peace between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan must be achieved based on this atmosphere, within a shared, equal, and equitable framework, and indeed while preserving the dignity of both sides; and we support this. Naturally, we do not support any policy that seeks excessive demands, seeks geopolitical or border changes, or pursues historical ambitions; we have a clear stance against such policies. Our borders with our neighbors must be respected and preserved, and the logic of peace must be based on the logic of equality. This is an important point that Iran considers in its regional capacity. We believe that the balance and equilibrium that have been disrupted in the region must be restored, and this balance can guarantee genuine and long-term peace in the region.

How could a possible escalation of tensions or military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States affect the South Caucasus, the Middle East, and the global security environment? In your view, what diplomatic steps are necessary to prevent the wider region from moving toward a broader military conflict?

Look, the United States and the Israeli regime have committed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time. Iran is in a position of self-defense in accordance with international law and all international standards. All of Iran's efforts have been focused on ensuring that the negative impacts of this war do not entangle the South Caucasus region. The security of Armenia, in particular, is extraordinarily important to us, as is stability in this country. Unfortunately, the war they have waged against Iran has had its effects felt worldwide, especially in the economic sphere, and has left a sort of negative impact on all economies. Reason, wisdom, and realism must return to the White House, and they must stop obeying and following the warmongering and expansionist policies of the Israeli regime. Naturally, the capacity of all actors, including the countries of the South Caucasus region, is important for advancing peace within the framework of realities—within the framework that a country that has been illegally subjected to aggression must have its rights respected, its position must be recognized, and the damages and reparations must somehow be compensated. Within this framework, all countries in the world can play their role in advancing this peace by relying on, focusing on, and emphasizing on international norms, in such a way that the negative effects of this crisis do not embroil other regions and that this crisis is brought to an end within a logical framework.

Interview conducted by Nexus Intellect Research (nexusintellect.org) for Caucasus Watch