Radar Armenia's interlocutor is Iranologist Emma Begijanyan.
-The Iranian Foreign Minister spoke about the opening of communications and the "Trump route", which will pass through the territory of Armenia, under the country's sovereignty and jurisdiction. What impact can this position have on the settlement of regional conflicts?
-Of course, in Iran, this statement is not perceived unambiguously; some consider the declaration very dangerous, and the president has always, when he was still a deputy, repeatedly noted that he has pan-Turkish, pan-Turkist things. Therefore, he considers it acceptable that no danger threatens Iran, and Iran can have such a route with Armenia, because, first of all, the emphasis is on the fact that the interests of the two countries coincide. The route through Azerbaijan or Turkey is not reliable. For 30 years, nothing was done to build that route, and it was decided to make a railway there. They argued that it was costly, costing $3 billion. Still, at that time Iran could have invested; they thought that Azerbaijan would be offended, some considered Karabakh an Islamic territory, etc. Now they have found themselves in a deadlock, and, naturally, even those who have a pro-Azerbaijani position next to Pezeshkyan say that it does not harm anything.
In Iran, various centers express their views on any issue, with the most severe being represented by the former Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati.
- Iran emphasizes that any foreign (primarily American) presence in the region can be dangerous for peace and stability. What steps can Iran take in this context?
- Iran has stated that if it is entirely under the control of Armenia, they agree, but now, in fact, we hear from various sources that this is not the case.
- Former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati declares that Iran will block the American corridor of the Caucasus, with or without Russia. How is it possible to implement such a blockade, and what consequences could this step have on the relations of the regional "big players"?
- Apparently, Russia cannot severely criticize this project, because it intended to implement the same project itself, and when Iran reacted harshly, demanding that Russia abandon that idea, Russia softened and, one might say, remained silent. That is why Russia does not have a strict position on this issue now. Now in Iran, they are openly saying that the Turks are aiming to tear the Azerbaijani-speaking part of Iran away. The Turks' strategic goal is to dismember Iran.
- Can the "Trump Way" become a platform or an opportunity for Americans and Iranians to start a dialogue with each other on the territory of Armenia or through it?
- That is also not ruled out. As Trump announced plans to establish economic relations with Iran and make investments, Iran may also participate in this process. But the question arises: if Israel has a role in this road, will they agree? The Azerbaijanis claim they have not closed the road to Iran; however, Iran can still travel to Yerevan. The question remains, how will Iran access Yerevan through Azerbaijani territory? The Iranians are most concerned that the road will be near the border. If it were a bit further north, they might not be so worried. They aim to eliminate the border with Iran.
Lilit Abrahamyan
