Foreign Intervention in the Caucasus is Iran's Red Line

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated on Iran's stance regarding recent developments in the South Caucasus during an interview with the "On the Wave of Dialogue" program. Emphasizing the region's importance for Iran and neighboring countries, he said: "The South Caucasus holds significant political, economic, and geopolitical value for us and regional states, particularly Russia."

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted Iran's vigilance toward developments in its northwestern borders, adding: "We are closely monitoring events with open eyes, neither oversimplifying nor downplaying any issue."

He also stressed the need to avoid misinterpretations and the spread of misinformation, noting: "Some analyses are based on incorrect data and may aim to disrupt relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and South Caucasus countries."

Later in the interview, the spokesperson advised: "We recommend avoiding phrases or concepts that could lead to misunderstandings."

Addressing the issue of Armenia's border demarcation, he clarified: "Our focus is on Armenia’s border demarcation, which we believe must be pursued with precision and sensitivity."

Regarding the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan war, the spokesperson noted: "The southern railway route in Armenia was severed when hostilities began."

He continued: "The fourth key issue is foreign intervention, our red line. We firmly oppose external interference or the presence of extra-regional forces, as it exacerbates geopolitical complexities."

Baghaei reiterated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes foreign military presence in the South Caucasus only complicates matters further."

He added: "Armenian officials explicitly assured us that the railway’s reconstruction will involve Armenian companies and a U.S. firm registered under Armenian law, with no foreign forces deployed along borders."

The spokesperson also referenced Article 12 of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, stating: "It prohibits any foreign military forces along their shared borders."

"We are highly sensitive to this issue," he emphasized, "and Armenia itself recognizes the repercussions of foreign troop presence."

Concluding the interview, the spokesperson reaffirmed the South Caucasus’ strategic importance to Iran: "We maintain strong ties with regional states and consider their stability and security vital."

He added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to enhance bilateral relations and supports all measures bolstering regional peace and stability."