make preferableHigh-ranking Armenian officials have always assured us of Armenia's good intentions. They hope that no situation will arise in the region as a result of which security may be compromised; it is also our wish that may there be peace in the South Caucasus.
The Iranian ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, said this in response to a question from Armenian News-NEWS.am on Wednesday. "Iran entered negotiations with the US with all sincerity and seriousness.
Despite the fact that we [i.e. Iran] have any defense capabilities, we prefer diplomacy. We believe that wisdom can win. I think [US Vice President] Mr. [JD] Vance said the following in one of his interviews during his visit to Yerevan: 'diplomacy can be effective.' High-ranking officials of the Republic of Armenia have always assured us of Armenia's good intentions.
They always hope that no situation will be created in the region, according to which security may be compromised; it is also our wish that may there be peace and may peace be established in the South Caucasus,” Shirgholami said. Asked how Iran assesses the expansion of the American presence in the region through the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, the Iranian ambassador said: “We [i.e. Iran] are very hopeful that these opportunities which Armenia is positively pursuing will be realized. Today I had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan.
We had a conversation in a very warm and friendly atmosphere. I said [to him] that our efforts should be made to unblock the north-south and east-west roads. We said that we should also work to put the Julfa-Nakhichevan-Yeraskh railway into operation, so that the Persian Gulf-Black Sea connection can be created.
This will create great opportunities for all of us. The Armenian leadership has said that they will not allow any actions to be taken against Iran. Maybe it is too early to talk about it now, but in the future we can think about it very seriously.”
And regarding Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s upcoming visit to Iran, the ambassador said: “Nikol Pashinyan’s visit is on our agenda for 2026, which should be planned during the year. Last year, the Iranian president visited Armenia, and this year we are planning for the visit of the Armenian prime minister to take place. We are hopeful that a comprehensive strategic document between the two countries will be signed within the framework of the visit.”
