Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi stressed during his discussions with Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives that the presence of NATO forces in the South Caucasus is not acceptable to Tehran. The remarks were reported by TASS, with Raisi framing the issue as a matter of regional security and sovereignty. He pointed to the Zangezur corridor, describing it as a zone where foreign military personnel are stationed, a situation he described as a potential threat to the national security interests of the nations in the region. Raisi underscored Iran’s clear opposition to this arrangement, aligning Iran’s security concerns with those of its neighbors and reiterating a call for stability and mutual restraint in the South Caucasus.
During the talks, Armenian and Azerbaijani officials provided Raisi with comprehensive updates on the evolving regional situation. The exchanges highlighted the delicate balance of power, ongoing border tensions, and the broader international dimensions shaping security dynamics in the area. The discussions reflected a mutual interest among all parties in managing risk and avoiding escalations that could affect civilian populations and economic activity across the region. The atmosphere of the talks suggested a shared desire to pursue constructive engagement while navigating competing security imperatives.
Earlier, the Iranian military signaled readiness to dispatch observers to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, an invitation extended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, during a meeting with Armen Grigoryan, the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council. Bagheri emphasized that maintaining tension in the South Caucasus serves no one and complicates prospects for regional peace. The statement implied a proactive stance from Tehran to monitor developments on the frontline and contribute to a calm, verifiable environment that could reduce miscalculations and incidents.
In parallel, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on the Karabakh issue, reaffirming Moscow’s position that the region is not meant to be ceded to Azerbaijan. The remarks underscored the broader international interest in a stable settlement that respects existing agreements and the security concerns of all involved parties. The layered messages from Tehran, Yerevan, Baku, and Moscow collectively illustrate the multifaceted diplomacy at work as the South Caucasus navigates competing national interests, external influences, and the goal of preventing new flashpoints that could disrupt regional and energy corridors.