Tehran thinks Armenia is becoming a center of operations for forces hostile to Iran
YEREVAN /ARKA/ — The perception is forming in Tehran that Armenia is becoming a center of operations for forces hostile to Iran, stated Khalil Shirgolami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, commenting on the protests held in recent days outside the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan.
“For six days now, we have witnessed a group of people gathering outside the Iranian Embassy from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., using extremely disrespectful and offensive language, and despite our constant protests, this process continues,” he told reporters. Asked whether this could impact Armenian-Iranian relations in the future and whether concerns about these actions had been conveyed to the Armenian side, the ambassador said that information had been repeatedly conveyed to the relevant authorities.
“In the most difficult moments, we stood by the people and government of Armenia. There are many examples of this. Today, we find ourselves in a difficult situation, and the event that is taking place today at the Iranian Embassy will remain in the historical memory of the people of Iran. I thinkI have stated everything very clearly,” Shirgolami stated.
Responding to a question about the possibilities for negotiations between the US and Iran, the diplomat stated that Tehran has repeatedly stated its readiness for talks, but that negotiations must be based on mutual respect and adherence to the basic principles of negotiations.
“Mr. Trump cannot say something new every day; he must make a decision. If he wants to conduct realistic negotiations based on respect, then Iran is ready,” he stated. At the same time, Shirgolami expressed confidence that the Iranian people, despite the protests, will stand by their country to the end.
“I don’t know when Mr. Trump will finally understand this, or even if he will. Of course, many expected instability to arise in Iran, for some separatist forces to become active, and for Iran to be dismembered,” he noted.
According to the ambassador, this is the scenario the Israelis had been aiming for, planned from the start.
“Of course, they will never succeed, but God forbid, if they achieve any success, I can say with certainty that Armenia will also be among the losers. Your country, Armenia, will also be among the losers. I think my last point needs no further explanation. This explains why a group of people are given the green light to come to the Iranian embassy building and make extremely disrespectful and offensive statements,” Shirgolami said.
