"Our position is clear: we are against the change of borders and geopolitical changes. And we have shown by our conduct and political and military steps that we will not tolerate such changes," stated Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, during a meeting with reporters and analysts on February 6.

He stated that Iran believes peace should prevail in Armenia.

“If the countries try to go on the path of confrontation, it will violate their security system. If the countries strive for peace, they can follow the path of economic development; this can be the best solution,” said the Iranian diplomat.

During discussions with reporters, Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani clarified that Iran has consistently upheld a definitive position: the reopening of regional roads must respect the sovereignty of each country involved. He noted that globally, the concept of a corridor typically signifies an avenue for connection, yet in this region, it is viewed quite differently. Sobhani emphasized that promoting rhetoric centered on peace and friendship has the potential to foster peace.

Regarding Iran’s response to Azerbaijan's potential attempt to open a corridor through Armenia, the Iranian diplomat stated that Tehran cannot predict what might happen. He emphasized that Iran’s actions in Armenia would depend on the stance of the Armenian government.

Moreover, Sobhani mentioned that if Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Crossroads of Peace project materializes, it could facilitate regional railway communication.

“In this case, it will be possible to establish a railway connection from Nakhchivan [exclave of Azerbaijan] to Yeraskh [the village of Armenia] via Jugha [town]; this is possible and feasible,” the Iranian envoy to Armenia stated.

In this context, he reiterated Iran’s welcome for the unblocking of regional roads if it occurs in the interests of the countries in the region and within the framework of their sovereignty. He also expressed Iran’s commitment to supporting Armenia on international platforms for its accession. Sobhani highlighted Armenia’s role in supporting Iran’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, leading to a significant increase in trade between the two countries.

Mehdi Sobhani also expressed support for strengthening Armenia, emphasizing that a balance of military forces would contribute to peace and security in the region. He stated that Iran is ready to assist Armenia in regional peace and stability. However, when asked about the possibility of Iran having a military presence in Armenia in exchange for its transit role in transporting Indian weapons, Sobhani declined to respond to such rumors.

The Iranian ambassador expressed optimism about the potential success of the “3+3 format” for regional cooperation, emphasizing that if the participating countries are committed to achieving real peace and stability, the format can be successful. He suggested that other countries, such as Georgia, may show interest in participating if the platform demonstrates tangible success. Sobhani emphasized the importance of regional countries making collective efforts to address regional problems and becoming guarantors of solutions. Additionally, he urged looking for competition in other areas, highlighting the existence of platforms created for cooperation.

“Recently, I met with a representative of the Armenian intelligentsia, who earlier had a conversation with an American official and talked with him about the OSCE Minsk Group. The representative of the Armenian intelligentsia asked the American official: ‘Why was the OSCE Minsk Group created, which did not achieve any results over 30 years?’ The American official replied that the OSCE Minsk Group was created to ensure their presence in the region. Therefore, it can be assumed that they did not pursue the goal of establishing peace in the region. If there is a war, the US will not suffer, but we, the countries and peoples living in the region, will suffer. Therefore, it is important to strive to establish real peace,” he outlined.