Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Armenia and Belarus

Context:

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to begin a two-day official visit to Armenia and Belarus, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the trade domain.

Key Highlights:

• Announcement: Made by Mehdi Sanaei, political advisor to the Iranian President.
• Agenda of Visit:
  • Enhance bilateral relations with Armenia and Belarus.
  • Focus on trade cooperation.
  • Signing of cooperation documents.
• Background:
  • The visit was originally planned for late June, but postponed.
  • The visit to Armenia comes shortly after Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement (August 8, 2025) in Washington regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

Geopolitical Significance:

1. Iran–Armenia Relations:
   • Armenia is strategically significant for Iran as it provides a route to the Caucasus and Europe.
   • Iran supports Armenia to balance Azerbaijan–Turkey–Pakistan ties.
2. Iran–Belarus Relations:
   • Belarus and Iran have faced Western sanctions and often cooperate economically and politically.
   • Strengthening ties helps Iran diversify its partnerships beyond the Middle East.
3. Nagorno-Karabakh Context:
   • Dispute between Armenia (Christian majority) and Azerbaijan (Shia Muslim majority) since 1988.
   • Iran, despite being Shia, has often leaned towards Armenia due to geopolitical balancing.
   • The August 2025 peace deal in Washington marks a historic step in reducing tensions.
     
     Updated: August 18, 2025, 1:22 PM | Newsonair