Radar Armenia‘s interlocutor is Iranologist Tigran Davudyan.
– What was the year 2024 like in terms of Armenian-Iranian relations?
I believe Armenian-Iranian relations in 2024 developed in the same positive direction. Mutual visits and consultative meetings continued at the diplomatic level. The RA Prime Minister visited Iran twice this year: the first to participate in the funeral of President Raisi and the second to join in the inauguration of the new President Pezeshkyan. Pashinyan and Pezeshkyan also met each other this year on various international platforms. Our new ambassador, Grigor Hakobyan, is also expected to be active in Iran and boost political, economic, and cultural relations.
– What is the most significant achievement in Armenian-Iranian relations for 2024?
– Our most significant achievement in Armenian-Iranian relations for 2024 is Tehran’s indomitable will and statements regarding Armenia’s southern border remaining unchanged. This was repeated once again after the Russian President visited Baku. Tehran’s sharp statements caused Moscow to moderate its previous statement. An outstanding achievement in the economic sphere is the start of the construction of the North-South road Meghri-Kajaran tunnel, which was entrusted to Iranian business people. The “electricity for gas” project and the high-voltage grid connection continue. The trade-economic connection to Armenia and the Eurasian Economic Union is active.
– In your opinion, what gaps and priority issues exist in Armenia-Iran relations?
– The business people of Armenia and Iran are in a state of waiting regarding bank transactions and unhindered currency transfers. It depends on the policy expected from the new US administration and Iran’s readiness. Iran must accept the FATF’s terms of transparency and reporting of international banking transactions and abandon its ambitions to lift the oppressive sanctions. These priority issues will be resolved next year. It will also be an incentive to develop our economic ties.
– How will Armenian-real relations develop in 2025?
– Naturally, we try to protect our neighborly relations with Iran from the influence of third countries, but this is unrealistic. The conditions of international coexistence are that, with the arrival of the new US president, the parties will manage to resolve their differences. Otherwise, the sanctions applied against Iran will hurt our economy. We will benefit if Iran and the USA regulate their relations.
