Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan proposed engaging in urgent talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in an effort to prevent a resurgence of hostilities on the state border and in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Pashinyan made this offer during a series of telephone conversations, including with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as reported by his office on September 9. These calls took place in the context of escalating tensions along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the Karabakh “line of contact.”

According to a government statement, the phone talk with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi revolved around several critical issues, including the escalating humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the closure of the Lachin Corridor, the buildup of Azerbaijani forces around Nagorno-Karabakh, and the growing tensions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border. PM Pashinyan reiterated his commitment to the Prague agreements of October 6, 2022, and the Brussels agreements of May 14, 2023. He also underscored his commitment to resolving all issues exclusively through diplomatic channels and within a constructive atmosphere.

“Prime Minister Pashinian expressed readiness to hold urgent discussions with the president of Azerbaijan aimed at reducing the tensions,” read a government statement. 

Media reports that Iran further provided additional information regarding the phone call. 

“Any move for geopolitical or border changes in the region is a red line for Iran, Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Outside the 3+3 format, any invitation of foreigners, joint drills, and suspicious visits complicate the situation. Iran is prepared to help both sides resolve differences,” he said. 

According to the IRNA news agency, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, highlighting Iran’s regional sway, states that Iran is ready to prevent any political shifts in the region. During a Saturday conversation with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, Raisi conveyed Tehran’s disapproval of regional unrest or any changes to the region’s established borders. The president also reiterated Iran's support for the territorial sovereignty of all regional countries and stressed the importance of addressing regional issues through diplomatic discussions.

Pashinyan’s office released similar readouts of his conversations with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron. These statements indicated that Secretary Blinken viewed the escalation of the situation as unacceptable and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. Yet, the French and German leaders reiterated their support for ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.