Armenia–Azerbaijan pact to reshape regional security, boost Iran ties, official says

The recent Armenia–Azerbaijan agreement signed in Washington marks what Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan describes as a historic shift for the South Caucasus. Kostanyan highlighted the potential of this peace initiative to bolster regional stability, particularly through the reopening of key transportation routes—including a rail corridor connecting Iran to the Black Sea via Armenia.

Vahan Kostanyan underscored the strategic significance of Armenia–Iran relations, asserting that Yerevan will never allow its partnership with Tehran to become a subject of geopolitical trade-offs. His remarks came in an exclusive interview with Iran’s official news agency IRNA during a diplomatic visit to Tehran, Caliber.Az reports.

“The relations between Tehran and Yerevan are of strategic importance to us and will never be the subject of any geopolitical bargain,” Kostanyan stated, affirming the Armenian government’s deep respect for the Iranian leadership and people. He emphasized the historical depth of the two countries' ties, describing them as relations “with a history of thousands of years” that must be preserved and strengthened for future generations.

Touching on recent geopolitical developments, Kostanyan addressed the Armenia–Azerbaijan agreement signed in Washington, stating that the peace initiative marked a turning point for regional security and would have positive implications beyond the bilateral scope. He highlighted that one of the key outcomes—reopening regional communication routes—would enhance cooperation, including rail connectivity between Armenia and Iran via the Nakhchivan–Jolfa corridor, ultimately linking Iran to the Black Sea.

Responding to concerns about the involvement of external powers, particularly the United States, in regional infrastructure projects, Kostanyan sought to reassure Tehran that its sensitivities had been considered in the negotiations. “These sensitivities were factored into the preliminary negotiations about the connectivity project known as the ‘Trump’ project,” he said, adding that the US would hold shares in a newly registered company in Armenia, but this would not translate into a military or security presence.

He reiterated Armenia’s commitment to maintaining the uninterrupted and sovereign operation of the Iran–Armenia border, calling it “strategically important” and asserting that there would be “no obstacles” to the flow of goods and passengers through this route.

Addressing regional mechanisms, Kostanyan expressed support for the “3+3” platform initiated by Iran, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Türkiye. He said Armenia sees the format as a constructive channel for discussing connectivity and regional cooperation projects, and noted that Yerevan is ready to host a future ministerial-level meeting.

On broader geopolitical dynamics, the Armenian diplomat emphasized that the aim of regional connectivity should be cooperation, not competition. “We believe this opening should not lead to new geopolitical restrictions but should serve as a confidence-building measure among geopolitical powers,” he noted, expressing hope that economic interdependence would help defuse tensions.

Kostanyan concluded by reaffirming Yerevan’s appreciation for Iran’s steadfast political support in recent years, especially concerning the protection of their shared border. 

By Vafa Guliyeva