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Iran

Iran Expands Its Influence: A Major Deal with Armenia Raises Concerns in Israel

In recent days, Iran has announced a comprehensive economic cooperation plan with Armenia, which is causing concern in Israel and the West.

“Iran has planned cooperation with Armenia amounting to approximately $3 billion, and we are confident that we will move in that direction. We are determined to utilize all available potential,” stated Iran’s ambassador to Yerevan, Mehdi Sobhani.

Armenia-Iran trade volume in 2023 was only $693 million, and the sudden Tehran’s readiness to increase it 4.5 times worries the experts. As the Israeli Alma Institute reported, Armenia is functioning as a transit point in Iran’s air route to Syria and Lebanon.

The report stated that Iran is using Armenia “not only to undermine Azerbaijan—an ally of Israel—but also to assist in the transfer of military equipment to Syria and then to Lebanon.” Further, according to Iranian media, a secret arms deal worth half a billion dollars was recently signed between Iran and Armenia.

Knesset member Simon Moshiashvili (Shas) warned the Israeli Foreign Ministry. In his letter, he noted that the arms deal “includes intelligence cooperation and the establishment of Iranian bases in Armenia, and according to experts, this may serve Iran not only as a response to the strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Israel but also for hostile activities.” (INN / VFI News)