A Strategic Visit: Iran’s President in Armenia Amid Regional Concerns

On August 18, 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian began a significant visit to Armenia, accompanied by senior political and economic officials. Departing from Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport with full protocol, he was warmly welcomed in Yerevan by Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The trip highlights Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with its northern neighbor while addressing sensitive regional challenges.

According to Iranian state media, the visit focuses on three main areas: political cooperation, economic partnership, and regional security. A central issue on the agenda is the US-backed Zangezur Corridor, a proposed route linking Azerbaijan’s mainland to its Nakhchivan exclave through southern Armenia. Tehran has strongly opposed the project, warning that it could undermine the sovereignty of Armenia and Azerbaijan while opening the door to foreign influence near Iran’s borders.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated before the trip that Tehran would use this opportunity to firmly reiterate its red lines: safeguarding the territorial integrity of all South Caucasus nations and preventing foreign military intervention in the region. This stance reflects Iran’s view of the Caucasus not just as a neighboring area, but as a vital strategic buffer for its own national security.

Beyond diplomacy, the visit also carries important economic goals. A business forum in Yerevan on August 19 will bring together Iranian companies from sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and energy. This initiative underscores Tehran’s interest in expanding trade and investment with Armenia at a time when sanctions and global geopolitical shifts have pushed Iran to diversify its partnerships.

The trip also holds symbolic importance. By choosing Armenia as one of his early foreign visits, President Pezeshkian is signaling that his administration will prioritize neighborly diplomacy. The timing is crucial, as Armenia and Azerbaijan continue US-brokered peace talks while tensions over territorial disputes persist. Iran’s presence ensures that its strategic interests are not overlooked in these negotiations.

President Pezeshkian is expected to remain in Armenia until August 21 before traveling to Belarus and later attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This sequence of visits reflects Tehran’s broader strategy of strengthening ties with regional partners while countering Western influence.

The outcome of this trip could reshape the balance of power in the South Caucasus. Stronger cooperation between Iran and Armenia could provide Yerevan with greater regional backing while reinforcing Tehran’s role as a key regional player. Conversely, failure to address the Zangezur Corridor issue could fuel further divisions.

For now, Pezeshkian’s visit serves both as a diplomatic message and an economic initiative, offering Iran and Armenia a chance to reinforce their ties at a critical moment. Whether it leads to lasting change will depend on how regional powers respond in the coming weeks.