Results of 3+3 format: Iran appears to be in same position as France
By Afaq Huseynova, AZERNEWS
"We have stated many times that we are against the Zangezur corridor."
These words were said by Iran's Roads and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash in a conversation with journalists in Erivan.
It should be recalled that yesterday in Tehran there was a meeting between the foreign ministers of the region and the countries close to the region in the 3+3 format. Although Iran seemed particularly proactive in mutual cooperation at the meeting, the message from Erivan was not at all pleasant.
Moreover, Iran, which tries to hide the target with a veiled message, has once again demonstrated the uncertainty of its position. Thus, while trying to express his critical opinion on the intervention of foreign forces in the region, the Iranian minister attracted attention with his veiled message. He said:
"Our policy is based on peace in the Caucasus and we condemn any foreign interference. We believe that the countries of the region will be able to make the best decisions for themselves. Iran has always supported Armenia's territorial integrity and will continue to support it in the future."
It is interesting that while the Iranian Minister Barzbash was in Erivan, at the same time, an agreement on the purchase of military weapons was signed between France and Armenia. If we get to the bottom of the issue, it can even be said that the official Paris has taken possession of Armenia's airspace. However, we still wonder why Minister Barzbash does not touch on a specific target when expressing his displeasure about the intervention in the region?
Political scientist Sadraddin Soltan, head of the Middle East think tank, commented on the issue to Azernews.
S.Soltan, while commenting on the 3+3 format meeting held in Tehran yesterday, assessed Iran's initiative as an unusual step.
"In the current tense and war-like situation in the Near and Middle East, it is somewhat strange to host the issue of cooperation in the 3+3 format of Iran. Because, previously, the Tehran government was not very close to holding this type of meeting. I think that under the current circumstances, by hosting this meeting, the Iranian authorities are trying to show that they have a kind of influence in the South Caucasus.
The political analyst said that Iran tried to avoid the main issue at the meeting. He said that in this meeting, Iran focused more on the events in Gaza than on the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations related to the region.
"In my opinion, as the goal of the 3+3 meeting, the Iranian side was trying to focus more on the events taking place in the Gaza Strip than on the process of normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. It obviously achieved its goal."
As for the talks on transport issues, the political scientist noted that Iran is reluctant in this matter and even tries to obstruct the processes.
"I believe that the Iranian authorities are trying with all their might to obstruct the transport infrastructure projects in which Azerbaijan is participating. Until now, the Iranian authorities have not finished building the road from the Astara district of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Astara district in the segment of South Azerbaijan and from there in the direction of Ghazvin. The question is, why is the Iranian government an obstacle to this!? Just like other projects, Iran is trying to create problems for the Zangazur issue. All the games of the Iranian authorities serve to prevent the realization of the Zangazur corridor," the expert emphasized.
However, according to Soltan, the Zangazur project is a way out for Armenia. Through the Zangazur project, Armenia can gain access to Europe, China, and India faster than by going to India from the territory of Iran.
On the other hand, the territory of Iran is a risky zone for Armenia. In general, as the territory of Iran is risky for the world economy, it can create a problem for Armenia in this perspective. Therefore, the most reliable and safest way is the Zangazur corridor. I believe that in the near future, Armenia will make a final decision regarding the Zangazur project and will increase its activities towards the realization of this project.
Sadraddin Soltan also clarified the covert message of Iranian minister Mehrdad Bazrbash. He emphasized that there are common interests between Iran and France.
"Both Iran and France pursue common interests in relation to Armenia. Because France and Iran are playing the role of Armenia's patrons in a situation where there is no Russia in Armenia.
The authorities of Tehran, which were irritated against Azerbaijan's purchase of new military equipment, and even threatened Azerbaijan because of it, are silent on the issue of facilitating the arming of Armenia in the South Caucasus. I think that Iran is in the same position as France in this matter,” the expert concluded.
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