Armenia’s Prime Minister appreciated Iran for backing a US-supported peace deal with Azerbaijan. The PM stated that he seeks to boost economic relations with Iran.
Earlier this month, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a 17-point agreement, organized by US President Donald Trump, to end decades of fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan mostly inhabited by Armenians.
Armenia Seeks Robust Economic Relations With Iran
During a visit to Yerevan by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan thanked Iran for its “fair views” and support for Armenia’s independence and territorial rights.
“I am sure Pezeshkian’s visit will give new energy to Armenia-Iran relations,” Pashinyan told reporters on Tuesday. “We agreed it is time to make our countries’ relationship more strategic.”
Iranian and Armenian officials signed agreements on transport and logistics and reviewed freight charges to boost economic ties. They agreed to build a second bridge over the Aras River and improve border terminals. Pashinyan also said he wants to increase trade between the two countries to USD 3 billion.
Over 30,000 people died in wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the 1990s. In 2020, the countries fought again for 44 days, killing around 6,000 people. In 2023, Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to move to Armenia.
Controversy Remains Over US-Controlled Trump Route
The Washington peace agreement is not legally binding. It asks both countries to recognize each other’s borders, give up future land claims, and keep outside forces away from their shared border.
The US-backed talks also led to renaming the “Zangezur corridor” as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP). The route would connect most of Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan region, which borders Turkey, through southern Armenia. Private companies, yet to be chosen, are expected to manage it.
While Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the Washington deal, an aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized the proposed route, which would be controlled by the US for development.
Pashinyan said Armenia would have complete control over the Trump Route. Pezeshkian added that Caucasus countries should lead the region themselves, and outside powers only make problems worse.
Also Read: Historic: Armenia and Azerbaijan Ink Peace Deal Backed by United States
