In a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and his delegation this morning (Tuesday), Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran's definitive and consistent policy is to expand relations with its neighbours, especially Armenia. He emphasised, "We are firmly committed to developing relations with Armenia, and cooperation between the two countries will continue strongly based on defined interests, without considering the policies of others."

While thanking Mr Pashinyan for attending President Pezeshkian's inauguration and the funeral of Martyr Reisi, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasised the importance of preserving Armenia's territorial integrity. He said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran views the Zangezur Corridor as detrimental to Armenia and remains firm on this position."

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasised that foreigners should not impose restrictions on the relations between countries and their neighbours. He added, "What ensures the security and well-being of countries is reliance on themselves and their close allies. Actions by some individuals, who intervene from afar in the affairs of other countries, ultimately harm those countries."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also mentioned the strong relations between the people of Iran and the Armenians in the country, noting, "Armenians in Iran played a significant role during the imposed war, and I have personally visited the homes of many of them."

Ayatollah Khamenei considered respect for Jesus (peace be upon him) as an established and definitive principle among Muslims and said, "We condemn the insults directed at the great figures of divine religions including Jesus (peace be upon him)."

At the meeting, which was also attended by Vice President Mr Aref, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia expressed satisfaction with the expanding relations between the two countries. He described his discussions with President Pezeshkian as constructive and positive and said, "Armenia has repeatedly declared that it does not accept any trans-regional routes within its territory."

Mr Pashinyan described the relations between Iran and Armenia as strategic. He expressed his satisfaction with the expansion and diversification of these relations and assessed the continuation of this trend as important.