The role of Iran in the region has significantly changed over recent 1-2 years, the Deputy Director of Noravank Foundation Sevak Sarukhanyan told the reporters on Monday. According to him, Iran is closer to the development of nuclear weapon and it has toughened its positions.

The expert stressed Iran and Russia have never been reliable partners, they just cooperated. “However, the situation has changed. Russia seeks expansion of relations with the West and toughens its relations with Iran under these conditions,” he said.

Commenting on Director of ACNIS Richard Giragosian’s statement that Armenian can act as a mediator between Iran and the West, Sarukhanyan said there is no basis to make such a assumption.

“Armenia cannot be a bridge between Russia and Iran. Armenia is a small country and I do not imagine why it should be applied for help. The same can be said about the United States. U.S. and Iran hold a number of secret meetings each year,” he noted. Sarukhanyan referred to Georgia as an exception, stressing Armenia can mediate in Russia-Georgia relations.

Speaking of Iran’s possible mediation in case of war resumption, Sarukhanyan said. “Iran is not a reliable ally for Armenia and will not be involved in the war.”