Tehran Opposes Any Violation of Sovereignty in Regional Countries

Referring to a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his accompanying delegation to Armenia today, Araqchi underlined the depth of Iran–Armenia ties, which are rooted in history, culture and the presence of the Armenian community in Iran.

He noted that Iranian companies are active in major projects in Armenia and cooperation has been growing steadily.

Araqchi highlighted the sensitivity of the planned land link between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan Republic, warning against any geopolitical change.

“Our clear position has always been that any alteration of recognized borders or weakening of sovereignty will not be tolerated,” he said.

He welcomed the recent Armenia–Azerbaijan statement affirming respect for territorial integrity and unchangeable borders, describing it as a step that eases geopolitical concerns. However, he warned of economic risks if transit routes through Iran lose significance, stressing that Tehran must enhance its own routes to maintain their importance.

The foreign minister voiced concern that the project could provide a pretext for American presence in the region. He said Armenian officials, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and senior diplomats, have assured Tehran that no US troops or private security firms will be deployed in Armenia under this pretext.

Araqchi confirmed the issue will be on the agenda during Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, adding, “Our red lines are clear—no foreign military presence, no geopolitical change, and no undermining of regional sovereignty.”

He reiterated Iran’s support for the “3+3” format involving Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic, Georgia, Iran, Turkey and Russia, stressing that regional problems must be resolved by regional states without external interference.

Araqchi also noted that the Minsk Group has failed to settle the Armenia–Azerbaijan dispute and is being phased out, which he said reflects Europe’s diminishing role in the Caucasus.

“Our policy is clear: strengthen regional mechanisms. Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is in the interest of all regional countries,” he said.

He underlined that both Iran and Russia share the same stance against US presence in the Caucasus. “No country in the region accepts foreign military bases under the guise of transit projects,” Araqchi stated.

The minister concluded that Armenia itself rejects the term “corridor” for the planned road, insisting on calling it a “road” under Armenian sovereignty and is developed by an American–Armenian consortium to avoid any implication of weakened control.  /tasnim