Regional Divisions Invite Foreign Meddling, Iran Warns
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said divisions among regional countries create openings for foreign powers to exploit, stressing that Tehran’s recent diplomatic initiatives aim to reinforce stability and cooperation.
Esmaeil Baqaei highlighted President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent trip to Armenia, describing it as part of a consistent policy of good-neighborliness pursued by both the previous and current administrations.
“Despite having the shortest border with Iran, Armenia, one of Iran's most important South Caucasus neighbors, has consistently maintained a secure and stable border, which is of strategic importance,” Baqaei said.
He noted that talks in Yerevan included the signing of at least 10 cooperation agreements in agriculture, trade, culture, education, technology, tourism, transport, and energy, alongside discussions on recent developments in the South Caucasus.
According to Baqaei, Tehran has consistently supported the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan Republic and is pressing for a swift agreement to ensure lasting regional security. He also pointed to the first direct meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers since the issuance of a peace statement, calling the talks transparent and constructive.
Turning to Pezeshkian’s second destination, Belarus, Baqaei said Iran-Belarus ties have remained stable and expanding since the former Soviet republic’s independence. He cited cooperation in technology, economy, and agriculture, as well as shared positions against unilateralism and violations of international law. He added that both nations have collaborated constructively within the Non-Aligned Movement and that the current trip would see the signing of significant new agreements.
Baqaei also warned that regional discord, as seen in crises in Syria and elsewhere, offers opportunities for external interference.
He concluded by describing Iran’s cooperation with Armenia as a model of effective convergence to ensure border security and expand regional cooperation, framing recent government diplomacy as part of a comprehensive roadmap for safeguarding national interests and securing Iran’s active role in the regional order.
