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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan should now avoid further escalation and move towards peace, reaffirming Tehran’s readiness to support the peace process.
According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Iran wants a peace agreement to be signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as the South Caucasus has suffered deep wounds from wars and conflicts.
“Iran is ready to provide any necessary assistance in this regard. Today, peace is not a matter of choice but a matter of necessity, and this goal must be achieved as soon as possible. We have many projects that have been severely affected by these wars and conflicts, so Iran supports the swift implementation of this agreement for bilateral and regional projects,” Khatibzadeh said during a briefing with journalists held within the framework of the "Yerevan Dialogue-2025" international forum.
He noted that Iran has played a mediating role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process within the limits of its capabilities, engaging with both Baku and Yerevan.
“The most important objective and responsibility we have now undertaken is to align the approaches of the two sides as much as possible. We will make every effort to move toward de-escalation of the tension. If more is required, we are ready to act as a mediator,” Khatibzadeh assured.
Referring to threats voiced by Azerbaijan against Armenia, particularly those involving territorial claims, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need to eliminate misunderstandings.
“The parties must now avoid further escalation and work toward establishing peace. You know that Iran has stable borders with both countries and is doing everything possible to prevent further tension.
“As for territorial integrity, I believe you are aware of Iran’s firm position. All countries in the region have understood this stance, and they must now enter a new phase of cooperation,” he added.
Speaking about the role and potential of Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative in establishing regional peace, Khatibzadeh stressed that Tehran attaches great importance to the project.
“First and foremost, the region must stay away from any geopolitical competition, especially from those coming from outside the region. Such competition turns regional countries into victims of external superpowers. To prevent this, cooperation must be developed among the countries of the region themselves. The ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative is right, and Iran welcomes any project that does not alter the region’s geopolitics. It is unacceptable for the region’s geography to be changed,” the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister concluded, highlighting the significance of the 3+3 regional consultation platform in this context.