Tehran will not stop worrying about TRIPP, despite statements of confidence in Armenia.
Contradictory statements by representatives of the Iranian leadership on the TRIPP project should not be taken as evidence of Tehran's lack of a unified position. Instead, they reflect Iran's continued concern about the project's implications and the desire to receive additional guarantees from the Armenian side, said former Iranian parliamentarian Robert Baglarian.
A few weeks ago, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared confidence in the leadership of Armenia, in fact, while outlining this confidence as one of the guarantees that Tehran relies on in the context of the TRIPP project. At the same time, Ali Akbar and Ayati, the representative of Iran's supreme leader, repeatedly criticized the Armenian leadership, claiming that the project was a serious threat.
Recently, the Vice President of Iran, referring to Valiati's statements, emphasized again that the foreign minister's position reflects the country's official approach and that Tehran trusts the Armenian side.
"I tend to believe that it is first and foremost ongoing concerns about Iran. Although, in terms of international norms, the position of the foreign minister or the relevant foreign policy institution is usually taken into account, Iran's experience over the years shows that the statements of representatives of various centers of influence cannot be ignored. In particular, the statements of the authoritative leader must be taken into account at least from the point of view of the supreme leader. Creating a long-term policy," Baglerian noted.
In his opinion, Iran is really interested in developing relations with Armenia and promoting joint projects without complications. However, the regional circumstances and Tehran's own experience prevent it from approaching TRIPP without serious concerns.
"We know what difficulties Iran faces in the region, what wars, trials and threats it has had to go through.