Iranian-Armenian military drills send message to powers seeking to destabilize the South Caucasus - Iranian expert

The Iranian-Armenian joint military exercises send a clear message to those seeking to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus.

Iranian international relations specialist and expert on Caucasus, Ehsan Movahedian, considers the joint military drills, currently being conducted with the participation of the armed forces of Armenia and Iran, to be of significant importance. He emphasizes that these exercises could serve as a solid foundation for further deepening bilateral cooperation in the military sphere.

In an interview with Armenpress, Movahedian highlighted the importance and significance of the joint drills, noting that the timing was not chosen by chance, as certain regional and extra-regional powers are currently attempting to destabilize the South Caucasus.

"These joint military exercises demonstrate Iran’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. Tehran remains dedicated to upholding its ‘red lines’ and demands respect for them. Iran’s red lines in the South Caucasus primarily concern the security and inviolability of the Armenian-Iranian interstate border. Once again, Tehran reaffirms that it will never allow any violation of this border or an incursion into the Syunik region of the Republic of Armenia," Movahedian emphasized.

He underlined the peaceful nature of the Armenian-Iranian military exercises, stating that they are solely aimed at safeguarding the centuries-old border between the two countries.

"Iran also asserts that the issues and conflicts in the region should be resolved through cooperation and dialogue. However, if any of Iran’s or Armenia’s neighbors believe they can impose their will by putting pressure on  Yerevan or Tehran, we will  not allow," the Iranian expert stated.

Movahedian added that the Armenian-Iranian joint military drills had been planned for some time during earlier negotiations between the two sides but were postponed until April due to the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations.

“I am confident that certain neighboring countries,such as Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as Israel and the United Kingdom, will take this message seriously and think twice before taking steps that could escalate tensions in the South Caucasus.” 

Addressing the observation that this is the first-ever military exercise between the armed forces of Armenia and Iran, Movahedian emphasized that it could serve as a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in the future.

“It is evident that these joint exercises are being carried out in a manner that prevents any party from claiming they are directed against them. Although they are joint drills, each side is conducting the exercises on its own territory. This is a clear demonstration of mutual respect for territorial integrity, while also signaling a shared commitment to securing the interstate border. I believe this is a praiseworthy initiative for a first-time effort, especially given that both countries are pursuing the same objective,” the Iranian expert remarked, expressing confidence that Armenian-Iranian military cooperation will deepen in the coming months.

He also suggested that similar joint military exercises could be held in the near future, this time on the territory of either Armenia or Iran. Referring to the disinformation disseminated by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense almost on a daily basis, claiming that the Armenian armed forces regularly violate the ceasefire, Ehsan Movahedian described the timing of the Armenian-Iranian joint drills as “interesting”

It is Azerbaijan's bad habit: every time it tries to impose something new on Armenia or prepares a new military attack against Armenia, it announces that "Armenia is violating the ceasefire." Indeed, we all know that this is absurd and disinformation. In this context, the joint Armenian-Iranian military exercises are particularly important. Tehran is clearly demonstrating how much importance it attaches to its border with Armenia.

According to the expert, some people, including officials and experts, believe that with the change in Iranian authorities, Tehran’s policy may also change, including the red lines outlined by Iran. He has assured that these views are incorrect, given that Iran's red lines are part of its defense strategy and doctrine and cannot be changed with another leadership.

“Everyone must accept and understand that Tehran’s statements and red lines regarding the inviolability of the Iranian border with Armenia are extremely serious,” concluded  Movahedian.

The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia has issued a statement noting that from April 9 to 10, special forces units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct joint military exercise.

The unit of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia will conduct its portion of the exercise on the territory of Armenia, while the unit of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct its portion on the territory of Iran.

The exercise involves operations to neutralize attacks by simulated terrorist groups on border checkpoints located along the Armenia–Iran state border.