Iran is ready to begin restoration of three medieval Armenian churches in the basin of Tgmut  River, one of tributaries of  the Aras River.

A representative of Armenian diocese Bishop Grigor Chiftchian applied to the Iranian office for monument protection at Aras free trade zone with a request to comply with all the rules of Armenian church building, Brlagovest-Info reported.

Iranian authorities are working to develop tourism in the seven free trade zones functioning in the Islamic Republic, including that on Aras bank where authorities plan to restore areas belonging to the Armenian church. Three Armenian churches – St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Sarkis and St. Gevorg – are located there.

The diocese also asked to involve Armenian experts in restoration works, and the Iranian authorities said the request would be necessarily taken into account.

Armenian side has agreed to include the restored churches into tourist routes of Aras free trade zone.