Iranian Ambassador Warns Armenia: ‘Becoming a Center for Anti-Iranian Activities’
Yerevan, January 15 – Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, delivered a stark warning yesterday, stating that Tehran is forming an impression that Armenia is becoming a center for activities of forces hostile to Iran. The ambassador’s comments come amidst ongoing protests in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan.
Ambassador Shirgholami emphasized that if the protests against Iran were to succeed, Armenia would also be among the losing parties. He expressed deep concern that since Saturday, citizens have been gathering in front of the Iranian Embassy, making disrespectful and offensive calls.
Shirgholami underscored that this action will remain in the memory of the Iranian people, reminding Armenia that Iran has stood by it during difficult times. The ambassador revealed that their concerns have been repeatedly conveyed to the relevant Armenian authorities.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Protests
The ambassador’s statements highlight a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries. The nature of the ‘hostile forces’ and the specific grievances of the protestors were not explicitly detailed in the initial reports, but the ambassador’s strong language suggests a serious breach of diplomatic protocol from Iran’s perspective.
The protests, which began on Saturday, have involved citizens gathering outside the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan. Ambassador Shirgholami described the calls made by the protestors as ‘disrespectful and offensive,’ indicating a strong reaction from the Iranian diplomatic mission.
Iran’s Historical Support for Armenia Recalled
In his warning, Ambassador Shirgholami made a point to recall Iran’s historical support for Armenia, particularly during challenging periods. This reminder serves as a diplomatic leverage, implying that Armenia’s current actions, or lack thereof in controlling the protests, could jeopardize future relations and support.
The ambassador’s revelation that these concerns have been communicated to Armenian authorities multiple times suggests that the issue has been brewing for some time, and the public statement is a culmination of private diplomatic efforts that have seemingly not yielded the desired results for Iran.
Regional Context and Future Implications
The timing of these statements is crucial, given the complex geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus and the broader Middle East. Iran maintains significant interests in the region, and any perceived threat to its security or stability, especially from a neighboring country, is likely to be met with a firm response.
The Armenian government now faces a delicate balancing act. It must address Iran’s concerns while upholding the rights of its citizens to protest. The potential implications of this diplomatic spat could range from strained bilateral relations to broader regional instability, depending on how both sides choose to proceed.
Further developments, including any official response from the Armenian government or further details regarding the protests, are anticipated as the situation unfolds.
