In Persian Gulf-Black Sea issue the ball is in the Armenian court: Iranian analyst

In development of Persian Gulf-Black Sea transportation necessity of Georgia-Iran high level negotiations was highlighted again. Georgian PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili was in Iran on April 22-23 on a two-day official visit, where he held negotiations with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, Deputy President Ishak Cihangiri and parliament Speaker Ali Larijani. “North-South corridor and establishment of connection between Persian Gulf and Black Sea by Iran-Armenia-Georgia or Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia line is of crucial importance,” Jahangiri told Tehran Times. According to Iranian Deputy President Tehran already expressed readiness that Persian Gulf was connected to the Black sea through North-South corridor, which will connect Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran.

Kayhan Barzegar, Director of the Institute for Middle East Strategic Studies (IMESS) in Tehran told 168.am that in Persian Gulf-Black Sea project possibility of Azerbaijan’s participation isn’t accidentally stressed. Iranian analyst reminded that after sanctions were lifted the Iranian side has repeatedly introduced to the Armenian side the vision of this project on high level, its being realistic, political and economic appropriateness, however statements, steps aren’t taken by the Armenian side to that end.

“Major topic of Iranian imagination of Armenia-Iran cooperation is this project, will bring out the region to a new level of stability, security, defensibility, which, first and foremost, will be based on immense economic benefits.

Surely the Armenian side perfectly realizes this, it isn’t yet fully clear why steps aren’t taken in that direction. In any case, the issues aren’t financial,” Barzegar said. The analyst considers in case of prolonging silence of the Armenian side Iran will attempt to work with Azerbaijan, which in these projects isn’t a preferred partner from Armenia. However, according to Barzegar, by these statements the interested sides attempt to pass on sobriety to the Armenian side, hinting that Armenia may lose this proposal.

“Fortunately, Iran and Georgia yet are waiting for the decision of the Armenian side, as in case of Azerbaijan both countries have reservations, mostly I mean Iran, in case of which Azerbaijan definitely isn’t a partner, very often even suspicious and not trustworthy. In case of Armenia there is lack of trust due to foreign policy and ties with Russia, however, Iran intends to use it as well in favor of all sides, starting cooperation with EEU through Armenia, which should interest the Armenian side. In this issue the ball is in the Armenian court, the Armenian side should also reflect and plan feasibility deadlines, Georgia-Iran posture in this issue is clear, agreements are stable,” Barzegar said.

By Araks Martirosyan