Iran FM calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, Yerevan-Baku dialogue

Iran’s foreign minister has reacted to the latest round of military confrontation in South Caucasus, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic is ready to do all in its power to restore peace to that region, because "our region needs peace now."

According to Press TV, Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in a Twitter post on Sunday, in which he called for “an immediate end to hostilities,” and urging, “dialogue to resolve differences.”

Iran’s foreign minister also indicated the Islamic Republic’s readiness to "provide good offices to enable talks" between Yerevan and Baku, emphasizing that "our neighbors are our priority."

Iran is closely monitoring the alarming violence in Nagorno-Karabakh. We call for an immediate end to hostilities and urge dialogue to resolve differences.Our neighbors are our priority and we are ready to provide good offices to enable talks.Our region needs peace now.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) September 27, 2020

Zarif also had separate phone calls with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, during which he discussed with them the latest situation on the ground in the region.

Iran's foreign minister urged both sides to show self-restraint, while calling for an immediate end to hostilities and start of negotiations within framework of international law.

Zarif expressed Tehran's readiness to use all its capacities to establish ceasefire and help facilitate bilateral talks between Yerevan and Baku.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to exercise restraint and engage in negotiations in the wake of recent military clashes between the two sides over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is closely monitoring military conflicts between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia with concern, and while inviting both parties to show self-restraint, calls for immediate cessation of clashes and initiation of talks between the two countries,” Sa'eed Khatibzadeh said.

He added that Tehran is ready to employ all its capacities to help establish ceasefire and start peace talks between the two sides.

Tensions flared up in South Caucasus on Sunday, with Armenia accusing Azerbaijan of shelling Karabakh and Baku accusing Armenian-backed gunmen of attacking Azeri military and civilian positions.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Sunday the country had declared martial law and total military mobilization.

ME