In an interview with Iran’s IRNA news agency, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan emphasized that relations between Tehran and Yerevan will never become the subject of any geopolitical bargaining, stressing their strategic importance.
He added that Iranian President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Yerevan will elevate bilateral ties to a new level.
“We deeply value these relations, which span millennia. We must strengthen and stabilize them for future generations,” he told Radar Armenia.
Kostanyan addressed Iranian concerns following the Washington-brokered pre-signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying that Iran’s balanced reaction was appreciated and that a “new era” in regional relations is unfolding. One key agreement with Azerbaijan involves “restoring transport corridors based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, which could benefit Iran-Armenia rail connections—such as via the Nakhichevan–Julfa line—opening access to Armenia and the Black Sea.”
He expressed support for Iran’s proposed “3+3” format as a viable platform for regional transit dialogue.
Regarding Iran’s concerns over U.S. presence, he clarified that the Trump Peace Project entails the registration of a company in Armenia jointly owned by Armenia and the U.S., but “this does not imply any U.S. security forces will be deployed in the region.”
Kostanyan emphasized that the uninterrupted function of the Iran-Armenia border is strategic, and that the opening of new corridors will proceed only under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the involved states. The Crossroads of Peace initiative is aimed at building trust, not new geopolitical tensions.
He confirmed that the historical Iran-Armenia border will remain unchanged and that Pezeshkian’s visit, scheduled for August 18, will include the signing of key but undisclosed agreements.
“The government and people of Armenia hold deep respect for the leader, government, and people of Iran. Our relationship is of strategic value and will never be part of any geopolitical bargain. This is my government’s conviction and message,” Kostanyan concluded.
