Tianjin: Iran has expressed its opposition to the presence of external forces in the Caucasus region, while supporting the recent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. President Masoud Pezeshkian communicated this stance during a meeting with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the discussions between the Iranian and Turkish leaders covered a range of topics, including the situation in Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Iran’s nuclear program, developments in the Caucasus, and bilateral relations between Tehran and Ankara. President Pezeshkian underscored Iran’s support for the US-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, viewing it as a step toward consolidating regional peace and stability. However, he firmly opposed the involvement of extra-regional forces in the Caucasus.

In further remarks, President Pezeshkian indicated Iran’s willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States, contingent upon the recognition of Iran’s nuclear rights and the pursuit of a mutually beneficial resolution. Addressing the ‘snapback mechanism’ invoked by Britain, Germany, and France to restore UN sanctions on Iran, Pezeshkian criticized the move, arguing that these nations have not adhered to their commitments and thus lack legitimacy to activate the mechanism.

President Erdogan echoed Pezeshkian’s sentiments, labeling the mechanism’s activation as unconstructive and affirming Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities. He also stressed the importance of keeping negotiation channels open between Iran and the United States to counteract Israel’s strategic objectives.