Iran, Russia Reject Foreign Presence in Region

In a meeting with his Russian counterpart, held in Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani expressed Iran’s fierce opposition to the presence of extra-regional military forces in the region.

On the fresh outbreak of fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the Iranian general said Tehran believes that the 3+3 proposed format is a suitable way for the peaceful settlement of problems in the Caucasus.

He also underlined that the protection of the territorial integrity of regional countries and international boundaries is a red line for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Highlighting the importance of regional and international cooperation between Iran and Russia in ensuring the security and interests of the two nations, Ashtiani said a significant subject in bilateral cooperation is dealing with the common challenges, including the US’ unilateralism.

For his part, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu hailed the close and strategic relations between Moscow and Tehran.

He noted that constructive interaction between the two countries will establish security and stability in the region and contribute to multilateralism.

Hailing the idea of the 3+3 format for the resolution of conflicts in the Caucasus, Shoigu voiced support for Iran’s stances on the Caucasus developments.

The Russian defense minister, too, denounced the presence and activities of the extra-regional countries in the region, stressing the need for regional initiatives involving the regional states.

The Russian general arrived in Tehran on Tuesday at the invitation of Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.