I believe this historic development made headlines not only in Iran, but also globally. It is important for us to hear the feedback and opinions of brotherly countries, especially Iran. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan in an interview with the Iranian IRNA news agency.

This was his response to the question of what impact the agreement signed between Yerevan and Baku in Washington DC will have on the security and stability of the region.

“We appreciate the balanced statement by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the subsequent remarks by Iran’s foreign minister and president. I believe we are now entering a new era in Armenia–Azerbaijan relations, one in which the two countries and their leaders have openly affirmed their commitment to peace. This will have a positive impact not only on our bilateral relations but also on regional dynamics, from politics to economics.

One of our key agreements with Azerbaijan is the reopening of communication routes in the region, with full mutual respect for the sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity of countries. In practice, this will open new doors for railway cooperation between Armenia and Iran, including through the Nakhchivan–Jolfa railway line, which will mean Iran’s access to Armenia and, ultimately, to the Black Sea,” Kostanyan added.

The deputy FM responded also to the question of how Armenia sees Iran’s place in this equation, and what Yerevan’s view is on the role of regional mechanisms such as the 3+3 format in moving forward.

“Regarding Iran’s role, especially within the framework of the “3+3” regional mechanism proposed by Iran, I must say that Armenia has participated since the first meeting of this platform—initially at the deputy minister level and later at the ministerial level. We believe this dialogue format can provide a suitable platform for discussing regional projects, especially connectivity projects. The recent developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the principled agreement to reopen regional communication routes, have opened a new chapter for dialogue, including within the “3+3” format. According to the latest ministerial statement, the next meeting should be held in either Yerevan or Baku, and we also have in mind bilateral consultations with the Azerbaijani side,” Kostanyan said.

He spoke also about Yerevan’s position on the presence of the US or any third party in the region, and guaranteed that the US will not play a negative role for regional countries.

“Regarding Tehran’s concerns about this agreement and the role of the United States, I must say this has been one of the main topics of our discussions yesterday and today. I have come here with the message that Armenia has taken Iran’s considerations into account and that these sensitivities were factored into the preliminary negotiations about the connectivity project known as the “Trump” project. Some details of this project have already been determined and agreed upon, which I have shared with the Iranian side, and I am ready to announce them publicly as well. It is planned that a company will be registered in Armenia, with shares divided between Armenia and the United States, but this does not mean a US security presence in the region. We understand that this has been one of the key concerns of the Iranian side, and I believe this concern has been addressed.

For us, the uninterrupted and obstacle-free functioning of the Iran–Armenia border and its crossings for the movement of goods and passengers is of strategic importance, and we do not expect any obstacles in this regard. The opening of communication routes, including three new projects, will be carried out on the basis of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of countries, which in itself is another guarantee,” the deputy FM of Armenia said.

According to him, Armenia’s general position on the opening of communication routes has been outlined in the Armenian prime minister’s Crossroads of Peace initiative.

“We believe this opening should not lead to new geopolitical restrictions but should serve as a confidence-building measure among geopolitical powers. In practice, US shares in the company registered in Armenia will benefit the United States, Iran will benefit from access to the Black Sea, and we will be able to connect to Russia via Azerbaijan’s railway line. We hope that this mutual economic interdependence will serve as a bridge for cooperation rather than an obstacle to it,” Kostanyan emphasized.

According to him, one of Tehran’s main concerns is the historic Iran–Armenia border.

“We cherish this border and have been grateful for Iran’s political support on this matter in recent years. This position holds the same importance for us as it does for Iran, and it will not change under any circumstances. We have given the necessary assurances to the Iranian side," Vahan Kostanyan stated.