Iran opposed to US peacekeeping forces in Qarabagh

Iranian ambassador to Armenia announced that Iran opposes the presence of US peacekeeping forces in the disputed region of Qarabagh.

Russian News agency, Novosti reports that Ali Saghaian, Islamic Republic Ambassador told a press conference in Yeravan that Tehran is “firmly” against the presence of US peacekeeping forces in the Qarabagh

According to the Iranian ambassador, there is a possibility that the US peacekeeping forces will settle in the Fizuli Rayon in the borders of Iran. Fizuli Rayon is officially part of the Republic of Azerbaijan; however, western Fizuli has been under the control of Armenian Qarabagh groups since 1993.

US peacekeeping forces have been sent to the region according to a peace agreement mediated by the US, Russia and France between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The Islamic Republic in Yeravan announced that the presence of US forces in the Fizuli Rayon is considered a “serious threat against Iran.”

“Being the only neighbouring country in the disputed region, Iran has to naturally defend its national security,” Iranian ambassador said.

Serge Sarkissian, Armenian Prime Minister urged Western powers to “respect” Iran’s geopolitical interests in Southern Caucasus and in their efforts to find a solution for the region’s disputed, not to ignore the presence of Iran.