The signing of multiple agreements in industry, trade and transport was the highlight of Pezeshkian’s trip. The two sides, setting an initial trade target of $1 billion and aiming to reach $3 billion in the next stage, laid out a practical roadmap for the expansion of relations. Pezeshkian stressed that shared capacities — from transit corridors to industrial investments — could even realize future trade worth $30 billion. The presence of economic actors and the creation of a joint working group between Tehran and Yerevan demonstrated that this visit would not remain at the diplomatic level alone, but would evolve into a joint project for economic growth.
Regional Security and Politics: Emphasis on Lasting Peace in the Caucasus
In joint meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s fundamental principle of opposing any change to international borders and the need to prevent the Caucasus from turning into a theatre of geopolitical competition between outside powers. This strategic stance conveyed a reassuring message to Yerevan and other regional players. While supporting peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Iran underscored that Caucasus stability is an inseparable part of its national security and foreign policy. The joint statement and extensive discussions on transit routes further served as a guarantee that Iran’s concerns would be taken into account in regional processes.
Cultural and Historical Ties: Soft Power of Tehran–Yerevan Relations
The visit was not limited to politics and economics. The signing of nine memoranda of understanding in the fields of culture, arts, cinema, and museums highlighted that Iran–Armenia relations rest on a deep foundation of shared history and culture. More than 2,700 years of co-existence between Iranian and Armenian peoples has provided an exceptional basis for closeness between the two nations. The president’s visit to Yerevan’s Blue Mosque and his meeting with the Iranian community there were also signals of attention to public diplomacy and the strengthening of social capital abroad. These soft dimensions serve as long-term support for stable and distinctive relations between the two countries.
Transit Achievements: Linking the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea
One of the most important agreements of this visit was the expansion of transit cooperation. The construction of a second bridge at Norduz and the expansion of border terminal capacities formed part of a comprehensive transit package agreed upon by Tehran and Yerevan. These projects will not only ease the difficulties faced by Iranian truck drivers but, with the completion of the Persian Gulf–Black Sea corridor, will transform Iran into a strategic link connecting West Asia to Europe. Such an achievement will not only generate economic benefits but will also elevate the country’s geopolitical standing at the regional and global levels, while consolidating border security for both sides.
NOURNEWS