Armenia-Iran Relations: A unique relationship

[Armenum]

Introduction

From a strategic and geopolitical perspective the relations between Iran and Armenia are in my view a very interesting relationship to look at, regardless of one's origin or background. A Muslim theocracy to have warm relations with a determined first Christian nation in the world who has historical bad relations with a Shia Muslim foe Azerbaijan which has close cultural links with Iran. So, in a nutshell, (I will go into more detail later) the Armenian-Iran relationship has been existent for ages. Armenian and Iranian kingdoms have almost always been neighbours divided by politics and religion but still having relatively normal and friendly relations throughout history. After the independence of Armenia, Armenian Iranian relations have flourished due to strategic alignment but also a sign of historic friendship.

Cultural

Given that Armenia and Iran have been neighbours for ages, cultural exchange has been frequent. Though, being divided by religion, cultural similarities do exist, but of course still retaining their unique culture as well. Language wise, Armenian was for a long time listed as an Indo-Iranian language, but now after closer analysis listed as a separate branch in Indo-European tree. That being said, Armenian shares many etymological roots from Persian, plus a good amount of borrowed words. Honestly, the language that most sounds like Armenian to me is Farsi. There is something about the pronunciation and stress that makes it sound similar.

Economic

Economic relations have flourished between Armenia and Iran, and this is the major element in Armenian-Iranian relations today. During the early years of independence, when Armenia was in the dark and short of food and gas supplies, because of blockades by its two neighbours and civil war in Georgia, Iran proved to be a crucial corridor for economic flow and the survival of Armenia through the Karabakh war and beyond. From this it has evolved into a key parter and agreements have been signed for gas pipelines and joint electricity projects, not to mention also oil flow. There are talks of establishing a free trade agreement to allow easier flow of goods between the two countries.

Strategic

While Azerbaijan may share the same religion and closer culture, it is strategically opposite of Iran, as it has close strategic relations with Israel, on the premise of giving oil to Israel and Israel giving advanced weapons to Azerbaijan. It is said that Azerbaijan has Israeli listening posts on its border and its land could be used for attack against Iran. Not to mention, Iran often criticises the oppression and persecution of religious Muslims in Azerbaijan. Thus, the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan have been rather poor, and as a result Iran Armenia relations rather warm. Armenia does not as close relations with Israel and West, and would not allow its territory to be used for an attack on Iran or spying on Iran. Armenia's strategic relations with Russia add to the strategic dimension between Iran and Armenia. There's a golden opportunity to solidify the Russia-Armenia-Iran axis. While military cooperation is not very high level, that comes from the fact that the West is putting heavy pressure on Armenia not to have relations go to that dimension.

This article highlights Armenian-Iranian strong relationship:

While Azerbaijanis go hysterical over Armenia-Iran relations, Ahmadinejad plans visit to Armenia

February 9, 2011 - 20:54 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - It’s been several weeks since Azerbaijanis have been voicing severe concern over developing Armenia-Iran relations. Obviously, numerous anti-Iranian meetings in Baku and Ankara aim to force Tehran to turn away from Yerevan.
Thus, on February 4, Turkish citizens of Azerbaijani origin organized a rally in front of Iranian embassy in Ankara. Rally participants laid a black wreath at Iranian embassy, demanding Iran to stop cooperation with Armenia and interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs.

February 9 Baku-hosted rally against “Iran’s officials’ disrespectful attitude to Azerbaijan and establishing closer relations with Armenia” was dispersed by the police. Most probably, Azerbaijani authorities aimed to show their non-involvement in organisation of suchlike rallies.

Some assumptions suggest that anti-Iranian rallies are caused by Baku’s fear for Islamic revolution which might be provoked by increasing influence of Islam in Azerbaijan.

However, it should be kept in mind that Iran has rejected a request to provide Azerbaijan with a corridor along Arax River for attacking Fizuli, Jebrail and Zangelan. According to Echo newspaper, Baku negotiated the issue in autumn 2010 and experienced complete failure. In exchange for the corridor, Baku promised to take a neutral stand in case of a war against Iran. Clearly, Baku cannot forgive Iran’s refusal.

While Azerbaijan tries to exacerbate Iran-Armenia ties, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has scheduled a visit to Armenia. Return visit of Armenian President to Iran is planned as well as his participation in Novruz festivities. “Mutual visits of parliament speakers and other officials are also expected,” Iran’s ambassador to Armenia Seyed Ali Saghaeyan stressed.
Apparently, yet another attempt of Azerbaijan to “harm” Armenia has failed.

Good articles:

http://www.armenianow.com/commentary...enia_relations
http://www.cria-online.org/1_1.html
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/61125/
http://armenianeconomist.blogspot.co...relations.html
http://www.mirrorspectator.com/2011/...-with-armenia/

[hellheaven1987]

So Armenia is back to the good old-days of being a Persian puppet?

[Armenum]

So Armenia is back to the good old-days of being a Persian puppet?

It was often a fighting ground between Western powers (Byzantine Empire/Roman Empire) and Persian. The nature of the relations today don't bring forward a "puppet relationship".

[hellheaven1987]

It was often a fighting ground between Western powers (Byzantine Empire/Roman Empire) and Persian. The nature of the relations today don't bring forward a "puppet relationship".

I know, I was just making a joke; after all Armenia today is a satellite state of Third Rome it is impossible for Armenia to become another satellite state of other state.

[Their Law]

So Armenia's choice of allies are, Iran or Russia. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.

[Armenum]

So Armenia's choice of allies are, Iran or Russia. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Well, it's the best choice given the circumstances and Armenia's history. Iran is a adversary of Armenia's arch rival Azerbaijan, and Russia has historically been an anti-Turkish force in the region, and to this day protects Armenia's borders with Turkey. Thus Armenia is part of CSTO, which is like a Russian version of NATO, of which Turkey is a part of.

[Ancient Aliens]

Well, it's the best choice given the circumstances and Armenia's history. Iran is a adversary of Armenia's arch rival Azerbaijan, and Russia has historically been an anti-Turkish force in the region, and to this day protects Armenia's borders with Turkey. Thus Armenia is part of CSTO, which is like a Russian version of NATO, of which Turkey is a part of.

Armenia's arch nemesis is Azerbaijan? That's sort of...sad.

[Armenum]

Armenia's arch nemesis is Azerbaijan? That's sort of...sad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkr_war

[Their Law]

Regardless, neither are what i would call trustworthy allies. And i wouldn't make the mistake of assuming it's a benevolent relationship.

[Armenum]

Regardless, neither are what i would call trustworthy allies. And i wouldn't make the mistake of assuming it's a benevolent relationship.

Well we all know that in an alliance there must be a two way gain, or else it quickly falls apart. The relationship between Armenia and Russia is highly strategic, and really it's the best strategic choice given Armenia's foes, location, and circumstances. Iran is a major economic partner, and again given the blockades on both sides and the tense Iranian-Azeri relationship, have close ties with Iran is a no-brainer looking at it from a geo-political standpoint. So in my view, Armenia is taking the necessary geo-political steps by forging these relationships.

I should also point out Armenia, along with having close relations with Russia and Iran, has also good relations with the West, including the EU and US. With the EU, it is integrating its political system and reforming the country and governance with the help of the EU. Soon Armenia will become associate member of EU. The relations with US are good, mainly due to the strong Armenian diaspora in the US. Next year, the first every joint military drills are planned with US and Armenian military. Armenia sent troops to Iraq and has 260 troops in Afghanistan.

Few countries can boast of having strategic military relations with Russia, having warm relations with Iran, integrating with the EU, sending troops to Iran, Afghanistan, and participating in NATO drills.

[Their Law]

Well we all know that in an alliance there must be a two way gain, or else it quickly falls apart.The relationship between Armenia and Russia is highly strategic, and really it's the best strategic choice given Armenia's foes, location, and circumstances. Iran is a major economic partner, and again given the blockades on both sides and the tense Iranian-Azeri relationship, have close ties with Iran is a no-brainer looking at it from a geo-political standpoint. So in my view, Armenia is taking the necessary geo-political steps by forging these relationships.

I'm not disagreeing, but I think it's naive to view these as anything outside of alliance of convenience.

I should also point out Armenia, along with having close relations with Russia and Iran, has also good relations with the West, including the EU and US. With the EU, it is integrating its political system and reforming the country and governance with the help of the EU.

I would chalk that up more to do with the fact that the West already has it's 'pieces' in the region. There's no reason for the West to demand influence within Armenia, particularly with the EU who will not get too close to Armenia so long as the NK dispute remains.

Soon Armenia will become associate member of EU.

I'm sceptical of that, particularly in light of recent events. As a personal opinion I'm opposed to Armenia being even considered with EU membership. Regardless of cultural links (which I believe are overplayed in some aspects), it's economic and political sphere is way outside the remit of the EU.

The relations with US are good, mainly due to the strong Armenian diaspora in the US. Next year, the first every joint military drills are planned with US and Armenian military. Armenia sent troops to Iraq and has 260 troops in Afghanistan.

No dispute here.

Few countries can boast of having strategic military relations with Russia, having warm relations with Iran, integrating with the EU, sending troops to Iran, Afghanistan, and participating in NATO drills.

Few countries are in Armenia's position. Not to belittle Armenia but I suspect a large reason to it's relative freedom in diplomacy is largely due to it's lack of importance on the international stage.

[Armenum]

I'm not disagreeing, but I think it's naive to view these as anything outside of alliance of convenience.

Yes, I could agree with that, but remember alliance of conveniences can be sustained over many years, which can foster over time genuine trust. I would say some of that exists between Armenia and Russia today.

I would chalk that up more to do with the fact that the West already has it's 'pieces' in the region. There's no reason for the West to demand influence within Armenia, particularly with the EU who will not get too close to Armenia so long as the NK dispute remains.

The West's role in all of this is complicated. Russia views it as its "backyard" and the mix of frozen conflicts and energy resources make it a headache of a region to deal with. In my view it's a spectrum with Georgia being the most in West's pockets, Azerbaijan being in the middle, and Armenia being in the Russian camp.

I'm sceptical of that, particularly in light of recent events. As a personal opinion I'm opposed to Armenia being even considered with EU membership. Regardless of cultural links (which I believe are overplayed in some aspects), it's economic and political sphere is way outside the remit of the EU.

EU-Armenia relations are strong, EU provides a lot of assistance to Armenia in several sectors, and Armenia is actively seeking advice from EU in improving its government structures. Visa requirements are going to be eased very soon, as Armenia is going to become associate member very soon. I don't think we even have to talk about EU membership, I mean let EU get a hold of its members first before there is the thought of that. Armenia has a long way to go until those thoughts are somewhat real. Nevertheless, the EU-Armenia relations improve.

http://www.yerevanreport.com/5012/ar...n-integration/
http://www.armradio.am/eng/news/?part=pol&id=20852
http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/24345106.html
http://www.armenianow.com/commentary...nion_relations

President Serzh Sargsyan asserted Armenia's European vocation on Wednesday at a meeting with the visiting head of an alliance of Europe's leading conservative parties.

Sargsyan and Wilfried Martens, a former Belgian prime minister leading the European People's Party (EPP), met in Yerevan to discuss the country's growing links with the European Union.

"We consider ourselves to be Europeans," Sargsyan was quoted by his press office as telling Martens. "We are seeking to live by the rules of that [European] family, the value system espoused by it, and in this regard, our orientation is very obvious."

According to a statement by the presidential office, Martens agreed that Armenia is "a European country," pointing to its membership in the Council of Europe and inclusion in the EU's Eastern Partnership program. Sargsyan assured him that his administration regards the scheme as a "window of opportunity" to bring Armenia closer to Europe and implement "large-scale reforms in various areas" in the process.
....

http://www.armenia.com.au/news/Armen...ongs-in-Europe

With all this, just showing the political climate in Armenia in regards to the EU.

Few countries are in Armenia's position. Not to belittle Armenia but I suspect a large reason to it's relative freedom in diplomacy is largely due to it's lack of importance on the international stage.

Importance comes with having natural resources such as gas and oil, and also things such as access to the sea. Armenia has none of these, though it's location is a strategic one, at a crucial crossroads, through which there is prospect of important energy projects.

[hellheaven1987]

Regardless, neither are what i would call trustworthy allies. And i wouldn't make the mistake of assuming it's a benevolent relationship.

Then tell us who is trustworthy, Georgia?

[white-wolf]

Forget Iran. Armenia is a lapdog of Russia. All major economic companies own by Russia and run by them. Never mention the Russian soldiers and camps in the country. She is the only Caucasus country to has Russian soldiers in her land. However, there is no land or sea connection to Russia. Therefore, Armenia thinking to get a counter weight to Azerbaijan and to some extent to Turkey, has been bending over and parting her legs to Iran. Iran, of course, does not want to miss change to irk her troublesome neighbor Azerbaijan. It is a win-win for both countries. But, there is very limited opportunities to Iran economically considering the pitiful condition of Armenia. Armenia's citizens have been immigrating to Siberia en masse to escape the poverty. OMG, choosing Siberia over Armenia. Lol.

[Dr. Oza]

Is it me or is this b.s. , there is no "unique relationship" here. Iran trades with Armenia, and it does so much less than with any other neighbor. Armenia trades a lot with iran, because the turkish-azeri border is closed and you can only sell so many low quality products to the Russians and Georgians.

Its a relationship of economic necessity at best, not a unique bond that transcends all odds.

[Armenum]

Forget Iran. Armenia is a lapdog of Russia. All major economic companies own by Russia and run by them. Never mention the Russian soldiers and camps in the country. She is the only Caucasus country to has Russian soldiers in her land. However, there is no land or sea connection to Russia. Therefore, Armenia thinking to get a counter weight to Azerbaijan and to some extent to Turkey, has been bending over and parting her legs to Iran. Iran, of course, does not want to miss change to irk her troublesome neighbor Azerbaijan. It is a win-win for both countries. But, there is very limited opportunities to Iran economically considering the pitiful condition of Armenia. Armenia's citizens have been immigrating to Siberia en masse to escape the poverty. OMG, choosing Siberia over Armenia. Lol.

Russia acts as a counter weight to Turkish influence in the region and Armenia being military allies with Russia (Russia is obliged to help defend Armenia if Armenia is ever attacked) the influence of Russia will naturally be great, much more than Iran. Having good relations with Iran, as I've said, is an obvious move, it diversifies the economic options. Emigration out of Armenia, though at a very high rate in the early 90s, has slowly decreased as the situation and economy of Armenia has dramatically improved. However, the global economic crisis has had its toll on Armenia like on many other nations, but in my view given the circumstances of blockade and lack of natural resources, Armenia isn't doing that bad.

Is it me or is this b.s. , there is no "unique relationship" here. Iran trades with Armenia, and it does so much less than with any other neighbor. Armenia trades a lot with iran, because the turkish-azeri border is closed and you can only sell so many low quality products to the Russians and Georgians.

Its a relationship of economic necessity at best, not a unique bond that transcends all odds.

It's not every day that you see a Muslim theocracy having good relations with a Christian nation over a similar Shia Muslim nation with cultural links. So it's unique in the idealogical sense, but yes a large component to the relationship is practicality.

[Blatta Optima Maxima]

Maybe they're hoping to reinstate the mazrbanate?

[glitch]

I'm not sure If I would consider it a unique relationship. They have good relations, but I wonder if because of their practical circumstances. They aren't necessarily the most liked in the region, and being neighbors does help economic ties. Also, Armenia gets a lot of tourism from Iran.

[Armenum]

I'm not sure If I would consider it a unique relationship. They have good relations, but I wonder if because of their practical circumstances. They aren't necessarily the most liked in the region, and being neighbors does help economic ties. Also, Armenia gets a lot of tourism from Iran.

It's a unique relationship given the wide contrast in the values of the two governments. But yes, practicality in both strategic and economic sphere play a large role in the relations.