Iran-Armenia relations enter new stage of development – Ambassador

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia celebrated Iran’s National Day, the 47th anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Khalil Shirgholami stated that over the past five decades Iran has achieved significant progress in the economic, infrastructure, scientific, technological, cultural, artistic and defense sectors.

He noted that hostility, sanctions and attempts to incite war have not prevented the Iranian people from continuing their path of development. According to the ambassador, Iran has recently experienced difficult days, when what he described as the people’s “just and legitimate protests and demands” were diverted by organized elements and turned into violence in an attempt to create a pretext for external intervention and destabilization. However, he said the Iranian people “have shown that they will never allow anyone to jeopardize their security and identity.”

Shirgholami recalled that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, adding that Iran was among the first countries to recognize Armenia’s independence. He stressed that the ties between the Armenian and Iranian peoples date back thousands of years.

“The 150,000-strong Armenian community in Iran and dozens of important Armenian holy sites in Iran testify to that indissoluble connection,” the Ambassador said.

According to Shirgholami, 2025 has been a fruitful and successful year in the history of bilateral relations. He highlighted the visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Yerevan in August 2025 as the culmination of positive developments in the historical, brotherly and strategic relations between the two countries.

The ambassador stated that trade turnover between Armenia and Iran during January–November 2025, excluding the defense sector, reached $698 million. He noted that the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion, outlined by the leaders of the two countries, remains on the agenda.

“Today, relations between Iran and Armenia have entered a new stage of progress, and mutual trust between the leaders of the two countries is the main capital of these relations and strategic partnership,” he said.

Shirgholami also noted that Iran welcomes the peace process in the South Caucasus, expressing conviction that peace and friendship among the peoples of the region are prerequisites for comprehensive development and deeper cooperation. He added that Iran attaches importance to the development of communications and the lifting of blockades through the use of transport and transit opportunities of all regional countries.

“There is huge economic potential in the South Caucasus region,” the Ambassador said.

He assured that Iran seeks to see a strong, developed and prosperous Armenia.

“The friendship between the peoples of Iran and Armenia has a clear path of growth, development, greater interconnectedness and partnership,” Shirgholami said, adding that the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan will continue to contribute to the implementation of this vision in close cooperation with state authorities.