Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister is in Yerevan

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Revanchi is in Yerevan. The Armenian side reports that at the meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, ideas were exchanged on the unblocking of regional infrastructures.

Mirzoyan emphasized Yerevan’s clear position that the lifting of the blockade will take place within the framework of fundamental principles, he referred to the programs being developed in that direction and the opportunities provided through them. No details provided.

Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan also discussed the lifting of the blockade with the order from Iran. According to the report, the development of the North-South road infrastructure was emphasized on both sides for the benefit of both countries. In this context, Armen Grigoryan emphasized Yerevan’s consistent approach to the “Crossroads of Peace” project. Tehran has not yet reported on the Iranian diplomat’s meetings in Yerevan. Yesterday, it was only mentioned that Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Revanchi will discuss relations in the transit and transport spheres and peace in the South Caucasus in Yerevan.

The Iranian official’s visit follows the controversial announcement by Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, that “Trump’s plan for the Caucasus is practically the same as the Zangezur Corridor project,” so Tehran strongly opposes it. Moreover, Velayati made this claim at the meeting with Armenian Ambassador to Iran Grigor Hakobyan. State media quoted an adviser to the cleric as saying the corridor could enable a NATO presence in northern Iran, creating serious security risks for Iran and Russia. The Armenian ambassador gave a clarifying interview to the local Tasnim agency, stressing that the wording “corridor” contradicts the letter and spirit of the Washington declaration, the Armenian diplomat urged the Iranian expert community not to use that term. The ambassador tried to dispel Tehran’s concern.

“As a result of the blockade, Armenia will have a railway connection with Iran through the territory of Nakhichevan. This will create an unprecedented opportunity for Iran to establish direct railway communication with Georgia, connecting to Black Sea ports. It is also important that Armenia and the United States have equal veto rights regarding the involvement of a third party in the “TRIPP Road” project, so any party can be involved in the project only with the agreement of Yerevan and Washington,” said Grigor Hakobyan.

Ruben Rubinyan, the vice-chairman of the National Assembly, in his turn assured that there is no reason to worry on the Iranian side.

Moscow has also been active since the end of the year, various Russian officials are warning Yerevan that “Trump’s way” may contradict the Eurasian Union or reminding that the Armenian railway is managed by a Russian company.

At the meeting with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan reminded that there is already a political agreement on raising relations to a strategic level.

“We understandably attach great importance to relations with our neighbor and friend Iran. Basically, for us, it is a relationship of strategic importance. And it is no coincidence that President Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Pashinyan have agreed to officially raise our relations to the level of strategic partnership this year,” Minister Mirzoyan said, according to the Armenian side.