Iran FM Says Azerbaijan Will Keep Historical Iran-Armenia Route Open

Iran's foreign minister says Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev has assured Tehran that it has no plans to close the Iran-Armenia transit route.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the countries over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the critical Lachin corridor, which serves as the sole communication route between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Speaking at the press conference alongside his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, who was on an official visit to Tehran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized the significance of transit routes between Iran and Armenia. He said "Iran and Armenia recognize the importance of the historical transit route, and both nations seek to maintain and strengthen its functionality."

Furthermore, the Iranian foreign minister welcomed the continued peace talks between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. He said "We are closely following the peace process in the region and are committed to promoting stability and cooperation among our neighboring countries".

However, the Baku authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding President Ilham Aliyev's reported “assurance” to Tehran about the non-closure of the transit routes.

Iran has been deeply concerned about Azerbaijani moves to establish a corridor through Armenia territory to a piece of its territory to the west. While an Azerbaijani military threat exists to force such a corridor, Iran will lose its historic land connection with Armenia.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan has persisted for more than three decades, resulting in numerous military confrontations.

Tensions over the transit road have led to military exercises conducted by the Iranian armed forces near the border with Azerbaijan in recent years.