Iran and Russia have urged calm following a border skirmish between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which resulted in four Armenian soldiers killed and several others injured. The incident occurred in the Syunik region of southeast Armenia, with conflicting reports from both sides regarding the cause of the clash.
Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of restraint and peace, urging both Armenia and Azerbaijan to avoid further escalation.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed similar sentiments, urging restraint and caution to prevent provocative actions that could exacerbate tensions. Russia stressed the need for both parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolution.
The United States also expressed concern over the violence, offering condolences to the affected families. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the US commitment to peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, warning that the use of force undermines diplomatic efforts. Miller emphasized the importance of investigating and addressing ceasefire violations.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has deep-rooted territorial disputes dating back to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a focal point of contention, with a war erupting in 2020. Despite a ceasefire agreement, tensions persist, with fears of further escalation, particularly in areas like Syunik, located near Nagorno-Karabakh.
