Abbas Araqchi made the remarks at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan in Tehran on Monday.

The two foreign ministers discussed Tehran-Yerevan relations and reviewed the growing bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the determination of the Iranian and Armenian leaders to further develop and deepen ties.

Araqchi highlighted the longstanding bonds between the Iranian and Armenian peoples and reiterated Iran’s approach of seeking to expand relations with its neighbors, particularly in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

He said Iran attaches special importance to its friendly and steadily growing relations with Armenia, stressing that strengthening interaction and ties among the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia would help guarantee security and peace for all regional states while promoting economic growth and prosperity for their peoples.

While the two senior diplomats exchanged views on developments in the Caucasus as well as West and South Asia, Araqchi outlined Iran’s positions on the importance of peace and stability in the Caucasus and welcomed the continuation of positive interactions and relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Republic.

He also announced Iran’s readiness to continue multilateral dialogue and cooperation, including within the 3+3 regional format, to help consolidate the peace process and strengthen regional connectivity and cooperation.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed the importance of addressing the consequences and concerns arising from the presence and intervention of third parties in the affairs of the Caucasus.

“Lasting peace and stability in the region depend on the countries of the region resolving their issues themselves and preventing the interference of extra-regional forces,” Araqchi said.

Araqchi also briefed his Armenian counterpart on developments in West Asia, particularly the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Referring to the “destructive and dangerous consequences” of the US and Israeli regime’s military aggression against Iran, which he said is the main cause of insecurity for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Araqchi stressed that Iran has firmly defended and will continue to defend its national interests and security.

At the same time, he said, Iran “has never hesitated to use diplomatic means” to prevent the escalation of tensions.

Mirzoyan, for his part, expressed pleasure over his visit to Tehran and emphasized the strategic nature of Iran-Armenia relations as well as Yerevan’s continued commitment to expanding cooperation with Iran.

He expressed hope that the signing of the Iran-Armenia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement would further deepen relations between the two countries.

The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in the economic, political, trade, transportation and energy sectors.

They further exchanged views on coordination at the United Nations and other international organizations and multilateral arrangements.