Iran’s steps towards Karabakh conflict settlement don’t run counter to interests of Armenia and NKR, according to Sevak Sarukhanyan, deputy director of Noravank scientific and educational foundation,.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, resolution of Karabakh conflict is of strategic, military and political importance to Iran. “Iran is concerned about being left outside the format of conflict settlement. Possible stationing of peacemaking forces in the conflict zone poses a serious problem to Iran, seeking to secure its northern border from the presence of western forces,” the expert noted.

“Given the perspectives of Armenia-Iran collaboration in energy sphere, there’s a possibility for Armenia to become Caucasus’ energy hub, what is directly linked to Armenia-Turkey border opening,” Mr. Sarukhanyan stated, ruling out Turkey’s subsequent expansion into strategically important sectors of Armenian economy.

Touching upon increase in gas tariffs, Noravank deputy director noted that Armenia was provided with 50% discount due to strategic partnership with Russia. He cited objective reasons for gas price increase, also predicting 10% growth in energy tariffs.