Iran Responds to Aliyev

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanani, addressed the comments made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding dissatisfaction with the recent meetings between Iranian and Armenian officials, where Aliyev accused Tehran of providing excessive support to Yerevan.

“Our principled policy is based on friendship and the expansion of relations with all neighbors,” Kanani stated, noting that Iran never strengthens its ties with one neighbor at the expense of another. He emphasized that Azerbaijani officials have been in contact with various Armenian officials for nearly two years across different political, military, and security levels, paving the way for peace and friendship, supported by the Islamic Republic.

“However, the reason for their concern regarding our friendly natural communications with Armenia remains incomprehensible to us,” Kanani added. He further stated that the recent military exercises along Iran's borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan were normal and pre-planned actions, of which the interested neighbors had been informed through official channels.

It is worth noting that previously, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had declared, “Our army has demonstrated heroism, professionalism, and dedication. If necessary, we will show this once again and achieve our goals; everyone knows this, and those conducting exercises at our border in support of Armenia should also know it. Nobody can intimidate us.”