The protests that began in Iran in recent weeks and quickly escalated into large-scale popular demonstrations have started to create serious political and diplomatic impacts not only within the country but also in the region. These protests, which are reported to have resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions, are also forming a new line of tension in Iran's relations with neighboring countries. In this regard, Armenia is one of the countries that has come into focus.
Diplomatic Concern and Mutual Accusations
Iranian officials have recently openly expressed their concerns that Armenian territory and Armenian society are being used for anti-Iranian activities. In particular, the protest actions held in front of the Iranian embassy in Yerevan have caused a sharp reaction from Tehran.
The Iranian side views this as interference in internal affairs and support for hostile forces. In this regard, the statement by Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, draws attention. Commenting on the protest actions held in front of the Iranian embassy in Yerevan, he said: "Armenia is turning into a center for forces hostile to Iran. Tehran has always extended a helping hand to Yerevan in difficult times." Shirgholami also reiterated Iran's concern regarding the creation of TRIPP, which the US could exploit against Iran. He added that this concern has been conveyed to Armenian counterparts.
This position of official Tehran effectively indicates the emergence of open tension in Armenia-Iran relations, which for many years were presented as "silent and problem-free." Iran has warned Yerevan through diplomatic channels and demanded that Armenia act more responsibly in these processes.
Armenia's Balance Policy: Between Friendship and Freedoms
The Armenian authorities, however, are trying to pursue a complex balance policy. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government, on the one hand, declares its commitment to "historical friendship and good-neighborly relations" with Iran, while on the other hand, states that freedom of speech and assembly will not be restricted in the country.
Official Yerevan's message is that the protests taking place on Armenian territory are not state policy but the individual stance of citizens. Nevertheless, Armenian law enforcement agencies have announced that the security of diplomatic missions will be ensured and possible escalation will not be allowed.
Public Factor and Diaspora Issue
The events in Iran have also directly affected Armenian society. Security and communication problems concerning Armenians living in Iran have come to the fore, and reports have spread that some members of the Armenian community died during the protests.
Economic and Geopolitical Realities
Armenia-Iran relations have dangerously approached a breaking point. Although Iran remains an important energy and transit partner for Armenia, increasing mutual dissatisfactions call the sustainability of this cooperation into question. The continuation of political consultations and keeping diplomatic channels open indicate the parties' attempt to keep relations under control. However, current processes show that if tensions do not decrease, these dialogue mechanisms may also lose their effectiveness, and relations could enter a deeper crisis phase.
In conclusion, it can be said that the recent protests in Iran can be assessed as the beginning of a new phase in Armenia-Iran relations. If previously these relations were primarily built on regional isolation and mutual interests, now issues of trust, security, and political responsibility come to the forefront.
Current processes indicate that as the Iranian crisis deepens, Armenia's room for maneuver will also narrow, and Yerevan may face a choice of a clearer stance. This choice could lead to not only diplomatic but also domestic political and international consequences.
