Iran’s Defense Minister Eases Worries on Caucasus War
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani ruled out the possibility of outbreak of a war in the Caucasus amid concerns about the escalation of tensions between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, the defense minister soothed the worries about the recent developments in the Caucasus.
“We believe that no war will break out in the region,” he stated.
Highlighting Iran’s “explicit” stances on the tensions between Baku and Yerevan, the minister said, “We won’t approve of any changes in the borders. The process we are observing indicates that no specific happening will occur.”
On Monday, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Iran said Tehran was closely monitoring the situation in the Caucasus and stays in contact with Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan to ensure peace and security.
“The Armenian officials voiced concern about the possibility of (military) clashes, but the Azerbaijani officials gave a message that they have no intention of clashing (with Armenia),” Kanaani said, describing the Republic of Azerbaijan’s recent deployment of troops as a “conventional military action” ahead of winter.
In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi assured Armenia of Iran’s opposition to any alteration to the regional boundaries, saying Tehran is prepared to play “an effective role” as a “powerful neighbor” to prevent regional clashes or geopolitical changes.
