Yerevan, September 25 – During the APRI Forum 2026, Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, underscored that maintaining the status quo and preventing geopolitical changes are fundamental principles for Iran concerning the prevailing regional situation. The Ambassador stressed that positive intentions alone are not enough to establish and sustain peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, advocating for a genuine balance of power to ensure stability.
Iran’s Stance on Regional Geopolitics and Stability
Shirgholami articulated Iran’s principled position on the South Caucasus, emphasizing that while Tehran recognizes the legitimate interests of extra-regional states, it views the transformation of the South Caucasus into a theater for competition among external actors as potentially detrimental to the region. He stated, “Peace is good, but it is not enough. Between Armenia and Azerbaijan, if they truly want peace, a real balance of power is necessary, otherwise, it will be fragile.”
Tehran also places significant importance on the development of more stable and effective regional formats to ensure long-term peace, stability, and development. This approach aims to foster cooperation among regional players, thereby mitigating external influences that could destabilize the area.
Regional Transport Links and TRIPP Project
Iran supports the development of regional transport links but believes that the implementation of the TRIPP (Trump’s Route) project must adhere to several fundamental conditions. Shirgholami highlighted Armenia’s potential to become a crucial transit hub connecting the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on one side, and the Black Sea on the other.
The diplomat affirmed that Iran considers Armenia’s geopolitical position and understands the country’s need to diversify its transport links. However, for Tehran, it is crucial that the implementation of TRIPP does not undermine Armenia’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Furthermore, a key condition for Iran is the absence of a US military presence in the region, which it views as a potential destabilizing factor.
Earlier, former Iranian Parliament Speaker Gholamali Haddad Adel told Sputnik Armenia in Tehran that the US and Israel seek to close one of the key routes connecting Iran to Europe through Armenia. He stated that Tehran considers Armenia an important land gateway to Europe, and therefore, preserving this route serves the interests of both countries.
In a related comment on the TRIPP project, Iranian Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami emphasized that Yerevan must develop a mechanism that allows it to realize the potential of unblocking regional communications while also considering the possible risks and threats to Tehran in the event of an American presence.
Current Exchange Rates and Weather in Yerevan
Alongside the diplomatic discussions, current economic indicators and weather conditions in Yerevan were noted. The exchange rates show a slight decrease for major currencies against the Armenian Dram: USD 363.38 ֏ ▼, EUR 413.31 ֏ ▼, RUB 4.27 ֏ ▼. The weather in Yerevan is sunny with a temperature of 20°C.
This information was provided on September 23, 2026, at 14:20 by the News Agency, indicating the dynamic interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors in the region.
