According to political commentator Hakob Badalyan, the statement by Iran’s ambassador to Armenia that Tehran expects the signing of a document on Armenian-Iranian strategic partnership during Nikol Pashinyan’s visit is, in itself, an important signal. He recalls that several months earlier Iran’s former ambassador, Sobhani, had also spoken about the development of this document, which already indicated the launch of the process.
At the same time, Badalyan draws attention to a contradictory circumstance. According to him, several weeks ago Iran’s new ambassador stated in rather harsh terms that there are views in Iran suggesting Armenia could become a hub for anti-Iranian forces. However, just days ago, during an event marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the same ambassador spoke about mutual trust between the leaders of the two countries.
“Was this merely a protocol statement, or can it be assumed that these suspicions have been dispelled?” the political commentator asks, emphasizing that an atmosphere of trust is of key importance for Armenian-Iranian relations, especially amid regional tensions.
In Badalyan’s assessment, a possible visit by Nikol Pashinyan to Iran could be important in this context. Although the timing of such a visit has not yet been clarified, he believes it could become a significant balancing step.
“After the regional visit of U.S. Vice President Vance, this could serve as a signal to Tehran that the agreements reached with the United States do not in any way threaten the prospects and stable development of Armenian-Iranian relations,” he notes.
The political commentator also recalls that late last year, the adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Velayati, made rather tough remarks regarding the so-called ‘Trump route,’ stating during a meeting with Armenia’s ambassador: “For Tehran, there is no difference between this and the so-called Zangezur corridor.”
Badalyan points to another important circumstance as well. Amid the tense situation surrounding Iran, Tehran has recently maintained active contacts with most of its neighboring countries, yet no such contacts were recorded with Armenia.
“Is this an indicator of trust, or the opposite?” he asks, noting that this silence itself should become a subject of analysis.
In his view, the future of Armenian-Iranian relations largely depends not only on statements, but on concrete steps, as well as on how consistent and balanced Armenia’s foreign policy will be amid complex regional realities.