An open and candid message to Pashinyan: Iranian politician criticizes Armenian government

Ali Akbar Velayati, Iran’s former foreign minister and adviser to the Supreme Leader on international affairs, has published an article in the Iranian newspaper Ettelaat titled “Openly and Sincerely – To the Prime Minister,” addressing Nikol Pashinyan.

Commenting on the Armenian parliament’s approval of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) project, Velayati criticized Nikol Pashinyan’s policies, describing the project’s ratification as a futile move that runs counter to the interests of the Armenian people.

Velayati also criticized what he described as the Armenian government’s growing alignment with the policies of the United States, France and the United Kingdom, warning that this approach could pave the way for increased tensions in the South Caucasus.

Velayati recalled that during meetings in Tehran in 2021, Iran’s Supreme Leader had voiced opposition to the creation of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” in talks with the presidents of Turkey and Russia.

He stressed that Iran considers ensuring the security of the South Caucasus its responsibility, with or without Russia’s involvement.

Velayati also recalled a meeting with the Armenian ambassador, during which he made the following statement:

“I told the Armenian ambassador quite openly that if Trump and his allies try to cross this red line of Iran’s, we will break their legs.”