Armenia and Iran have denied reports of secret contracts for $500 million worth of Iranian weapons to Yerevan. The report by Iran International, a London-based news channel critical of the Iranian government, claimed that Armenia would receive Iranian drones and air-defense systems. The source also mentioned a broader agreement involving intelligence cooperation, military relations, training, and bases on Armenian soil.
The Armenian Defense Ministry dismissed the report as fabricated, while Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani stated that it aimed to undermine Iran’s regional relations. Sobhani criticized Iran International for spreading false information, linking the channel to Saudi Arabia, Iran’s regional rival.
Despite their cordial relationship, Armenia and Iran have never publicly reported any arms deals. In March, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikian visited Tehran, and both countries reached understandings on mutual interests without disclosing details.
Iran has warned against efforts to cut its border and transport links with Armenia, a response to Azerbaijan’s demands for a corridor to Nakhichevan through Armenia’s Syunik region. Sobhani emphasized that this issue remains a “red line” for Tehran. Iranian leaders have also expressed concern over Armenia’s pivot towards the West amid deteriorating relations with Russia, its traditional ally.
Armenia continues to strengthen military ties with the U.S. and other Western nations, hosting a joint U.S.-Armenian military exercise in July.
