On March 25, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who was on an official visit to Yerevan. The meeting, held at the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was followed by a joint press conference.

During the press conference, Araghchi avoided directly answering what Tehran would do if Azerbaijan attempted to forcefully obtain a “corridor” through Armenia’s Syunik region. He reiterated Iran’s support for resolving regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing that transit routes must operate with respect for national jurisdiction, territorial integrity, and laws.

Araghchi also stated that Iran had not yet responded to the U.S. president’s letter, explaining that the response was being prepared. He noted Tehran’s willingness to increase transparency regarding its peaceful nuclear program and ongoing discussions with European countries, while also highlighting the pressure, military threats, and economic sanctions against Iran. He assured that Iran had never left and would never leave the negotiating table.

Addressing the peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan reaffirmed that Armenia remained ready to continue talks despite Baku introducing new conditions and spreading misinformation about border violations. He stated that while no agreement had been reached on the time and place for signing the peace treaty, Armenia would persist in seeking solutions for lasting peace.

Araghchi welcomed the finalization of the draft Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty and encouraged its signing as soon as possible. He stressed Iran’s firm stance on respecting territorial integrity, rejecting any changes to internationally recognized borders, and ensuring that regional issues are resolved through diplomacy without the use of force. Addressing concerns about potential escalation, he acknowledged risks but expressed hope that signing the agreement would contribute to regional stability.

The two ministers also announced progress in resolving the issue of reducing diesel fuel costs for trucking companies at the Armenia-Iran border. Mirzoyan stated that experts had worked on a mutually beneficial formula, while Araghchi confirmed both sides’ commitment to facilitating transit and lowering costs for cargo carriers.

Mirzoyan emphasized that the inviolability of the Armenia-Iran border was of vital importance for both countries, reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to establishing lasting peace. He thanked Iran for its clear stance on Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The ministers also discussed international issues, with Mirzoyan expressing Armenia’s readiness to support Iran’s dialogue with friendly nations.

Following the meeting, the Armenian Foreign Ministry hosted a presentation of Araghchi’s book, The Power of Negotiations. At the press conference, Mirzoyan highlighted Armenia’s strong ties with Iran as part of a broader dialogue of civilizations, while Araghchi thanked him for reading the book and writing its foreword.

Meeting with Pashinyan
On March 25, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who was on an official visit to Armenia, to discuss bilateral relations, regional stability, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

Pashinyan welcomed Araghchi, wished him success in his new role, and thanked him for his contributions to the development of Armenia-Iran relations. He emphasized that cooperation between the two countries had been built on mutual trust and shared strategic interests, forming a strong foundation for further expansion.

Araghchi conveyed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s greetings to Pashinyan and highlighted the historical, economic, and cultural ties between Iran and Armenia. He stressed the strategic importance of their relations and reaffirmed Iran’s support for Armenia’s territorial integrity and the inviolability of regional borders.

The two officials discussed economic cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and energy, and underscored the importance of high-level bilateral visits. They also exchanged views on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, with Pashinyan reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to the peace agenda. Araghchi expressed Iran’s support for signing the agreement, stating that it would help ensure regional stability.

Pashinyan requested that his warm greetings be conveyed to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.