Iran's Diplomat Addresses Potential Changes in Relations with Armenia Following Elections

Today is a fateful day for Iran and its people as the country holds its 14th presidential election. Mehdi Sobhani, Iran's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador, mentioned this during a press conference at the Iranian embassy.

“This demonstrates that the Iranian government is based on the votes of the Iranian people. Today we are voting for a powerful Iran, for an advanced, happy, and developed Iran. Voting began this morning at 8 AM, and Iranians in Armenia have already cast their ballots, signifying that Iran's future is important to them. Two polling stations will be opened in Armenia, along with one mobile ballot box. One station will be at the embassy, and the other at the Blue Mosque.”

“I am confident that there is serious attention paid to Iran's elections in Armenia, and I am hopeful that we will have results that will be beneficial for both the Iranian people and Iran-Armenia relations,” the ambassador stated.

When asked whether the elections might affect relations with Armenia, he replied, “Our policy towards Armenia is very principled. The governments that come to power operate within that policy framework. Iran's principled policy towards Armenia was articulated by the leader of the Iranian Revolution; it was also emphasized during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Iran. We respect Armenia's territorial integrity and support it. We are against any changes to internationally recognized borders, as well as any geopolitical changes.”

“This principled policy will never change, regardless of the changes in governments in Iran and Armenia. Armenia is an important country for us; it is our good and honest neighbor. The security and interests of both countries are intertwined. This principled policy cannot be altered by changes in governments,” he added.