Iran can act as a serious counterbalance in the current duo between Turkey and Azerbaijan, increasing Armenia’s chances in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal, an Armenian orientalist said today, highlighting the possible benefits for the country in the current geopolitical context.
“That will be an opportunity to counterbalance the Turkish influence in the region. For us, that implies a chance to relax Turkey’s pressure,” Director of the National Academy’s Institute of Oriental Studies Ruben Safrastyan told reporters, considering the issue a serious diplomatic challenge for Armenia.
Agreeing that it is for now too early to consider specific steps, Safrastyan said he nonetheless thinks that Armenia should try to derive maximum benefits. “Given that Iran is a friend country – also in these difficult days – we need to take into account the Iran-Turkey strain and take advantage of the opportunity. The Iranian factor is very positive and in our interests,” he added.