In an interview with Tasnim News Agency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Iran Grigor Hakobyan described the relations between Yerevan and Tehran as being built on mutual respect, trust, and good neighborliness.
He highlighted the long-standing historical connections between the two neighbors, which have accelerated in recent years across multiple fields and evolved into mutually beneficial cooperation. The ambassador emphasized that the bilateral relations are developing not only through routine channels but with a strategic vision for the future.
When asked to clarify the strategic vision, Hakobyan said it was formalized in August 2025 by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, giving bilateral ties a strategic dimension. He expressed hope that these relations, already strategic, would soon be further strengthened through new frameworks for cooperation grounded in legal foundations.
Asked about recent economic and infrastructure cooperation, Hakobyan said that 2025 has been significant for trade, business, and transit projects. He emphasized stable growth in trade and anticipated that major transportation and energy projects would elevate bilateral cooperation.
Regarding peace negotiations with Azerbaijan Republic, Hakobyan said that significant progress had been made in recent months. He noted that on August 8, 2025, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement in Washington to establish formal relations, reaffirming each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, border security, and political independence, with no future territorial claims.
Asked about the Washington trilateral agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic, and the United States regarding the “corridor,” Hakobyan clarified that the official document refers to it as the “TRIPP route” rather than a “corridor” and emphasized Armenia’s active role in ensuring the plan respects Iran’s vital interests.
The ambassador explained that the project would open rail connections through Nakhchivan, linking Armenia to Iran, and create transit opportunities for both countries to reach the Black Sea and Central Asia, while any third-party participation requires Armenia and US approval.
Hakobyan explained that the TRIPP route aligns with Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and has already shown practical results, such as the transit of wheat from Kazakhstan via Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia to Armenia.
Asked about the process of normalization of relations with Turkey, Hakobyan said contacts have recently intensified at multiple levels, including between leaders, foreign ministers, and specialized representatives.
The envoy confirmed that Armenia remains committed to constructive engagement for reopening borders and lifting blockades, noting technical assessments of the Kars-Gyumri railroad reconstruction and Armenian-Turkish electricity line projects.
He expressed confidence that the TRIPP route and the Washington trilateral principles would create a favorable environment to advance diplomatic normalization with Turkey and strengthen regional cooperation.
Hakobyan concluded that Armenia-Iran relations are not only maintaining momentum but are deepening on strategic foundations, with the ultimate goal of transforming positive developments into long-term, forward-looking cooperation that benefits the people of both nations.