The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gave an interview to Iranian state television and radio company, during which he was asked about the geopolitical changes in the South Caucasus region. Iran shares borders with the two countries involved in the Karabakh conflict, and the security of those two countries is linked to Iran's security.
In particular, Lavrov answered: "In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, we have sought to end the bloodshed. The parties to the conflict, Armenia and Azerbaijan, have expressed interest in doing so through the mediation of Russia. There is no hidden intention here":
Lavrov noted that during his numerous contacts with his Iranian counterpart, as Russian Foreign Minister, he did not recall the topic of Nagorno Karabakh arousing interest and being voiced during consultations.
"It does not mean that we ignore Iran's interests. We understand Iran's concern about how the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan will affect Iran's transit interests, especially as those interests escalate as the Americans continue to impose sanctions on Iran".
Lavrov also noted: "Now it is necessary to think not about who or when managed to help the settlement. Let me emphasize once again that this format was chosen by Armenia and Azerbaijan. There was no attempt to do it at the expense of Iran or Turkey. Now it is important to think about how to bring the agreements reached to an end and turn the conflict region into a region of coexistence".
