“Wishing all those across the globe celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH) a safe, healthy, peaceful and Happy Christmas,” Araqchi wrote in a message published on his X account on Wednesday.

He added that the celebration of the birth of a “Messenger of Peace and Compassion” is a blessed occasion, offering hope, harmony and goodwill to people everywhere.

 “To my Armenian compatriots, wish you a blessed epiphany of Christ beforehand,” Araqchi concluded in his message.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a separate message, on Thursday, congratulating Christians worldwide, particularly Christian compatriots, on the birth of Jesus (PBUH) and the arrival of the New Year.

In the statement, the spokesperson said the occasion reflects shared human and divine values rooted in the teachings of monotheistic religions, calling on people to uphold peace, coexistence, mutual respect and responsibility toward one another.

The statement said Iran, as the inheritor of an ancient civilization with a long history of religious coexistence, emphasizes the need to preserve and promote mutual understanding and respect among nations and followers of different faiths.

The spokesperson concluded by expressing hope that the coming year would bring calm and optimism for all, along with meaningful steps toward justice and peace in the world.