Iran develops relations both with Armenia and with Azerbaijan, to prevent the involvement of the two countries in “anti-Iranian projects”, Head of the Heritage parliamentary faction Stepan Safaryan told NEWS.am.

“After the war in Iraq, Iran found itself in a partial geographical blockade, and recently Russia, Iran’s former ally, took a common stand with U.S. and West in the UN Security Council. Iran sees tendencies against it and attempts to prevent Armenia and Azerbaijan from taking the same path,” the politician said.

As to whether such a “refusal” by Armenia to Iran is possible, taking into account Iran is like “a gulp of air” for Armenia, Safaryan replied Iran cannot rely on Armenia after all.

“Iran is aware of Armenia’s low self-control. Armenia easily comes under foreign influence, even if the country’s national interests are in question. For instance, Iran sees Armenia is not happy about the Armenia-Turkey protocols, but goes on keeping the documents on the parliamentary agenda under external influence. For this reason, Iran cannot be certain about Armenia,” Safaryan said.

According to him, following Turkey’s unsuccessful attempt, today Iran attempts to extend its influence over the South Caucasus.

“The Russian-Georgian war produced a vacuum in the region-the result of the West leaving the region. Turkey attempted to fill the vacuum, but failed due to a number of factors. Certainty, Turkey will not forget ambitions, but today Iran has got down to business,” he said. According to him, Iran is concerned over the Turkey-Azerbaijan agreement on strategic partnership and mutual assistance, which is of military importance as well.

Iran does its utmost to ease the anti-Iranian tension in the region. Good neighborly relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan are a deterrent factor Iran needs. This accounts for Iran’s intensified activities in the region,” Safaryan concluded.