“We have had no information since Friday, and at this moment we are also unable to establish contact with our compatriots in Iran, which is causing us great concern. We will continue our efforts to establish contact,” said Armenia's High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan during a press conference, addressing the question of what assistance is being provided to Armenian compatriots amid the protests taking place in Iran and whether there is any work being done regarding evacuation.
“When a similar situation occurred during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, we acquired resources at the border in Meghri, and we began receiving information through our compatriots crossing the border. Apparently, starting today we will need to do the same there [in Meghri], otherwise, naturally, the information blackout is very concerning for us. We do not have sufficient information to be able to talk about evacuation.
I want to remind you that when the latest phase of the Hamas–Israel confrontation began in 2023, during the first 10 days of military operations we evacuated a large group of our compatriots from Israel, and we were the ones insisting that this take place.
As soon as we see that we have relevant information regarding our compatriots in Iran that allows us to make this demand in the Government, we will of course do so.
But at this moment we are very concerned, because since Friday everything has escalated,” he said, recalling that Friday marked the first phase of the most intense clashes, although the protests have already been ongoing for 12–13 days.
As for sending a professional group to Iran, Zareh Sinanyan does not consider it realistic. He believes that it is first necessary to clarify what is happening in the two Armenian-populated cities, obtain information, and then take steps.
The situation in Iran remains extremely tense. Anti-government protests continue unabated. The President of the United States has stated that Tehran has made an offer to negotiate with him. At the same time, the Iranian government has declared three days of national mourning in the country.
