Iran endorses Armenia’s right to diversify its foreign relations, including with the EU and Western nations, while emphasizing the importance of continued growth in Iranian-Armenian ties, said Mehdi Sobhani, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, in a recent public television interview.

Addressing concerns about Armenia’s Western engagements, Sobhani clarified: “We do not view the development of Armenia’s relations with the EU or the West as a step against Iran. Armenia is simply trying to diversify its relations in various ways for the benefit of its country. Armenia is an independent country; we cannot dictate to Armenia which countries it should or should not have relations with.”

The ambassador highlighted ongoing economic cooperation, noting his attendance at the opening of a World Bank and EU-funded waste processing plant in Armenia, executed by an Iranian company. He also mentioned a project at the Meghri customs office, supported by European banks, as evidence of collaborative efforts. “We expect Armenia to use its good relations with Europe and other countries to develop relations with Iran,” Sobhani added.

He emphasized Armenia’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Iran. “The government of the Republic of Armenia has assured us that the development of foreign relations does not contradict Iranian–Armenian relations and is not aimed at weakening them. We trust our Armenian friends.” Sobhani underscored that such cooperation fosters trade, tourism, and cultural ties, benefiting both economies.

Tehran Reaffirms Armenia’s Sovereignty Over Regional Corridor Projects

Iran’s position on unblocking regional communications in the South Caucasus remains firm: all efforts must respect Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani said during a briefing with journalists.

Addressing questions about possible third-party control - such as reported proposals to outsource oversight of the Syunik corridor to the United States or another country - Ambassador Sobhani dismissed such concerns as media speculation. “The Armenian Prime Minister has clearly stated that Armenia will exercise control. I have not heard anything else. The rest are media speculations, and we cannot express an official position based on them,” he said.

When asked directly whether Iran has concerns over third-party involvement, Sobhani reiterated: “No, that is also media speculation.” He confirmed that proposals have reached Armenia, but emphasized: “What we know, and what Armenian officials have said, is that everything will take place within the framework of Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

The ambassador’s comments align with Iran’s previously stated opposition to any geopolitical alterations in the region and its consistent support for Armenia’s sovereignty in connectivity initiatives.

In a related development, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan received the Iranian Ambassador Sobhani. According to Grigoryan’s office, both sides emphasized the importance of establishing long-term peace and stability in the region.

They also exchanged views on the prospects for unblocking regional communications.

Armenian, Iranian Security Chiefs Unite on Stability and Connectivity

Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan held a telephone conversation with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali‑Akbar Ahmadian to discuss bilateral and regional security issues. Grigoryan expressed condolences for the victims of the recent 12‑day Israel–Iran war and wished those injured a swift recovery.

The officials reviewed key agenda items for Armenia–Iran cooperation, placing special emphasis on regional connectivity and infrastructure unblocking. Grigoryan emphasized that any unblocking efforts must respect Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction. Ahmadian affirmed Iran’s support for Armenia’s principled approach.

They also discussed broader regional developments, with both sides stressing the importance of preserving stability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. According to Mehr News, Ahmadian reiterated Tehran’s firm opposition to altering the regional geopolitical map, framing it as beneficial for all involved.

Ahmadian thanked Armenia for condemning Israel’s actions against Iran and reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering stance against attempts to redraw borders. Both security chiefs emphasized the need to strengthen Armenia–Iran economic cooperation in response to shifting regional dynamics.