Iran important neighbor, strategic partner for Armenia: Researcher

Tehran, IRNA - Zhanna Vardanyan, a senior researcher from the Orbeli Analytical Research Center, an Armenian think tank, says developing relations with Iran has always been one of Armenia's foreign policy priorities as it considers the Islamic Republic an important neighbor and strategic partner.

In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Vardanyan, an expert on Iran affairs, addressed a number of questions related to Yerevan-Tehran relations, including Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s recent speech at Orbeli Forum 2025, where he admitted “Armenia's relations with Iran are of strategic importance.”

Pointing to the comments of the country’s top diplomat, she said that bilateral relations between Armenia and Iran have been dynamic and expanding in recent years, especially in areas of trade, energy, infrastructure, and culture.

The volume of annual trade exchanges between the two countries is inching closer to the $1 billion mark, she said, adding that Iranian companies are actively participating in important infrastructure projects in Armenia, such as the construction of the Kajaran-Agarak section of the North-South highway.

The researcher also emphasized that high-level political visits and meetings, especially the visit of the Iranian President to Armenia in August, as well as cultural interactions, reflect Yerevan’s determination to deepen relations with Tehran.

In addition, the two sides are working on a strategic cooperation document, outlining new prospects for future cooperation, she added.
Explaining the role of the Orbeli Analytical Research Center in regional interactions, Vardanyan said the think tank operates in various areas, including examining Armenia’s foreign and domestic policy, analyzing the country’s economic trends, studying developments in neighboring countries.

According to her, part of the center’s research focuses on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which itself reflects Iran’s importance in regional equations and Yerevan’s strategic view of Tehran.
The Orbeli research institute, affiliated with the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office held the Orbeli Forum 2025 on November 5 and 6, bringing together over 350 scholars from 16 countries to deliberate on the topic of peace and multilateral cooperation in the South Caucasus region.

Addressing the Forum, the Armenian Foreign Minister said his country’s friendship with Iran is very important and that nothing will weaken this friendship. “I cannot imagine any Armenian government will not continue its relations with Iran in the same spirit of brotherhood and neighborliness”, she added.