YEREVAN. – The strengthening of Russia’s positions in Iran and its use of the Iranian airbase somewhat stems even from the interests of Armenia, Iranian Studies specialist Karen Mkrtchyan said at a press conference on Saturday.

As per the Armenian specialist, considering the fact that there is a Russian military base in Armenia and that the Armenian-Russian military and political cooperation has a long history, the strengthening of Armenia’s military and political ally’s positions in the region is beneficial to Armenia as well.

To the remark that a Russia-Iran-Turkey-Azerbaijan axis is being formed and this is not in Armenia’s interests, Mkrtchyan responded: “If we look at all those countries, [we would see that] the Russian [military] base is located solely in Armenia.

“Russia can collaborate with Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan only in technico-military matters. [But] from the politico-military and allied viewpoint, solely Armenia is Russia’s political and military ally, and there is a Russian military base in the territory of the country.”

In his words, Armenia has been left out of the “game.”

“Simply, in relations with any other country, we [i.e. Armenia] need to look at that country’s relations with Russia,” added the Iranian Studies specialist. “If we look at the Russia-Iran bilateral relations, then [we would see that] we absolutely don’t lag behind.”