“Iran relies on the support and cooperation of its friends in difficult times, and Armenia and Iran have been friends for a long time.”
Musavat.com reports that this was stated by Iranian Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami at a press conference held in Yerevan. “As a result, all difficult days are behind us, but we are always by each other's side and support each other. I express my gratitude for all the condolences and supportive words given so far,” Shirgholami said. The diplomat also stated: “I am sure that Iran's weakening and, God forbid, defeat will harm Armenia as well.”
Regarding relations with Azerbaijan, the ambassador noted that he takes into account Baku’s relations with Israel, but also emphasized that Azerbaijan is a neighboring country to Iran and that official Tehran wants to maintain good relations with all neighbors.
“If there are elements against Iran anywhere, they must be controlled and managed so as not to cause problems in the relations between the two countries,” Shirgholami added.
What does the ambassador’s phrase about "anti-Iran elements" imply? On the other hand, why would Iran's weakening be to Armenia's detriment? What is he hinting at?
According to political analyst Zuriya Garayeva’s statement to Musavat.com, speaking metaphorically and giving political remarks is a kind of custom among Iranian ambassadors in Armenia. According to her, Iranian diplomats have not abandoned this practice and often their positions do not align with those of the ambassadors in Baku: “Before Shirgholami, the previous ambassador Sobhani was issuing statements against Azerbaijan day and night. The new ambassador has tried to speak more cautiously. But it is not difficult to understand his hints. It seems that as soon as Iranian ambassadors arrive in Yerevan, they feel like employees of Ararat Mirzoyan. However, this does not worry us. Azerbaijan’s position is completely clear and the state has already stated its stance in recent events. That is, President Ilham Aliyev extended condolences to Pezeshkian; Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov contacted his Iranian counterpart, and it became known once again to Tehran and the Iranian people that Azerbaijan does not turn its back on its neighbor in such days.”
Z. Garayeva considers that what is happening is a lesson for Iran, a test to recognize its friends and enemies: “Therefore, Ambassador Shirgholami would do well to clarify his rhetoric with Tehran. Currently, relations with Iran are developing; Azerbaijan has never pursued a policy against its neighbor and after these processes, we are interested in expanding cooperation. I think that while in Armenia, the ambassador should not be influenced and must keep his composure.
On the other hand, none of the elements worrying Iran stem from us. If there is any dissatisfaction regarding the Zangezur corridor, it should be addressed directly to Armenia. Because Yerevan agreed to hand over control of the road named after Trump to the Americans. In this sense, Iranian ambassadors in Yerevan have always put the truth first but speak unfairly.”