Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, has warned that the Caucasus region should not become an arena of competition among outside countries, according to Iran's news agency. The remarks come as regional states seek to reshape their relations after years of geopolitical upheaval.
Ghalibaf underscored the importance of maintaining regional stability and cooperation, calling on the parties involved to prevent the Caucasus from becoming a place of competing influence. He argued that the region's countries should handle their shared problems autonomously rather than allowing outside powers to intervene.
The statement comes amid persistent tensions in the Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan, alongside the presence of regional powers including Russia, Turkey and the West. Iran, which borders the Caucasus, has direct security and economic interests in the region.
Tehran has repeatedly voiced concern over foreign military and political activity in the Caucasus, saying outside interference could fuel instability. Iran advocates promoting regional cooperation mechanisms that include neighbouring countries, in a bid to limit the influence of powers from outside the region.
There has been no official reaction from the relevant parties to the Iranian parliament speaker's remarks so far.
