SAEDNEWS: Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi confirmed that Armenia has reassured Tehran that a US engineering company will handle a new Caucasus road project without deploying American troops, emphasizing that all of Iran’s red lines are being respected.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi referred to recent consultations between Armenian and Iranian officials, stating: “In recent days, Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia spoke with the President of Iran. The Armenian Foreign Minister also contacted me by phone, and the Deputy Foreign Minister visited Tehran to discuss and consult on these developments.”
According to Saed News citing ISNA, Araghchi added: “What has happened regarding transport routes in the South Caucasus is vastly different from what was originally intended.” He then explained the evolution of this matter over the past several years: “I am not saying that what is happening is entirely without concern. According to what Armenian officials have told us, an American company, which will be registered under Armenian law and under Armenia’s sovereignty, is to establish this road. The Armenians have assured us that in this matter, all of Iran’s red lines have been respected and taken into account.”
Responding to remarks suggesting that US military forces might be deployed in the region, the Iranian minister stated: “Based on what Armenian officials have said, an American engineering company will carry out the project, and no US forces will be stationed there. Security will be the responsibility of Armenia itself. These are the statements made by Armenian officials, and of course, we will also take the necessary precautions.”
