Iran says US presence in South Caucasus would undermine security

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran opposes what he called a destabilizing US presence in the South Caucasus, while responding to developments around the so-called TRIPP plan, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.

Speaking to ISNA, Baghaei said Iran’s position on security in the South Caucasus was clear and that Tehran supported expanding economic ties and reopening transport routes.

But he said the Islamic Republic had deep suspicion about US intentions, citing what he called Washington’s record of aggression in other regions, and said Tehran had openly opposed any destabilizing US presence in the South Caucasus.

Baghaei said the South Caucasus is Iran’s immediate neighborhood and that peace, stability and economic development there serve Iran’s national interests.