Armenian National Committee of America warns of Azerbaijani threats amid Iran-Israel tensions

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Central Council of the Armenian Cause has issued a statement expressing deep concern over Azerbaijan’s escalating threats toward Armenia’s Syunik province, amid rising regional tensions.

The council emphasized that instability stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict has heightened the risk of aggressive moves by Baku that could jeopardize Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It urged the international community to act swiftly to prevent a new wave of Azerbaijani aggression.

“Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that the ‘Zangezur corridor’ will be implemented regardless of Armenia’s will and has threatened the use of force. Since September 2022, Azerbaijani forces have occupied over 200 square kilometers of Armenian territory,” the statement reads. It argues that these actions, combined with military exercises near Armenia’s borders and global distraction over Middle East developments, represent a clear threat.

Key points identified in the statement include:

Azerbaijan’s hostile expansionism:

Baku continues to pursue territorial claims under the pretext of creating “regional connectivity.” The Armenian Cause reiterates that the rationale behind the so-called Zangezur corridor is unfounded and that any attempt to seize Armenian territory constitutes a breach of international law.

Escalating regional instability:

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict undermines South Caucasus security. Azerbaijan, emboldened by foreign allies, is leveraging the situation to pressure Armenia and could make it a pawn in broader geopolitical shifts. The Armenian Cause calls for immediate international intervention to prevent such provocations.

Urgency of global response:

The council has appealed to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), especially the Minsk Group co-chairs, the UN Security Council (particularly its five permanent members), the European Union, and Armenia’s allied nations. It calls on them to stop Azerbaijan from exploiting global conflicts to advance its expansionist aims.

Need for military and diplomatic support:

According to the council, Armenia urgently requires reinforced allied and partner support to counter mounting threats. It urges friendly nations to reaffirm commitment to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through diplomatic, security, and strategic cooperation.

“The Armenian Cause Central Council remains firmly committed to defending Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on international organizations and leaders to recognize the gravity of the situation and take immediate steps to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” the statement concludes.

On the night of June 13, Israeli Air Force struck at least six military bases near Tehran. Iranian media reported that residential areas in Tehran and other cities were also hit. One target was the IRGC headquarters in Tehran. Iran’s military has vowed devastating retaliation. The IRGC later launched “True Promise 3,” following a speech by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei promising a firm response to Israel.