WANA (Oct 24) – The Strategic Deputy of the Iranian President stated that Iran, during the post-revolution period and especially under the leadership of the Supreme Leader, has transformed into a reliable power, securing its territorial integrity and overcoming a 200-year-old security challenge.

 

At the “International Conference on Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Issues of the Caucasus,” Mohammad Javad Zarif remarked, “Iran’s neighborhood policy is a reality rather than a construct. Given its geopolitics and significant material, spiritual, scientific, and human resources, Iran can serve as a regional hub for transit, technology, and energy.”

 

Referring to the “3+3” Caucasus initiative involving Iran, Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, he emphasized the need for inclusive cooperation and noted, “This initiative can help resolve regional issues without foreign interference, as external forces neither have the capacity nor the will to support us and our region.”

 

Zarif highlighted the Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral ceasefire agreement that ended the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, commenting on the transportation routes between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He said, “Clause 9 of the ceasefire agreement can promote cooperation rather than confrontation, and a joint transit consortium could secure the interests of all Caucasus countries and neighboring powers.”

 

He stressed that “Iran, especially in the post-Islamic Revolution period and under the Supreme Leader’s leadership, has become a reliable power, safeguarded its territorial integrity, and overcome a 200-year-old security challenge.”

 

Zarif expressed that this newfound security confidence and strategic maturity are owed to the Supreme Leader and the armed forces, adding, “With this strategic and security confidence, we can pursue and advocate for a strong region.”

 

He also addressed Israel’s presence in the Republic of Azerbaijan, stating, “Israel’s presence in Azerbaijan, as in some Gulf states, is intended to serve as a shield for itself, ultimately sacrificing those countries rather than offering real support or protection.”