Armenia and Iran Hold First-Ever Joint Military Exercises Along Shared Border

Armenia and Iran have launched their first-ever joint military exercise along their shared border. This two-day training operation, involving special forces units from both countries, is taking place on each nation’s respective territory and is a historic moment in Armenian-Iranian defense cooperation.

While the Armenian unit trains on Armenian soil, Iran’s forces are doing the same just across the border. Together, they are simulating a response to an attack by imaginary terrorist groups at the border. This drill is not just about training—it is about sending a message to the world: Armenia and Iran are ready to protect their border and their shared interests.

This military exercise comes at a time of growing concern in Armenia over possible military aggression by Azerbaijan. The threat centers around Azerbaijan’s repeated demands for a land corridor through Armenia’s southern province of Syunik. This region is of great importance—it is Armenia’s only direct link to Iran and a strategic lifeline for trade and diplomacy.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has publicly threatened to forcibly open this so-called "Zangezur corridor," with strong support from Turkey. Such a move would not only violate Armenia’s sovereignty but also cut off Iran from its only border with Armenia—a move that Tehran strongly opposes.

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his March 25 visit to Yerevan, have clearly stated that Iran will not tolerate any attempt to erase its border with Armenia. Iran’s warning is loud and clear: any threat to Armenia’s southern region is also a threat to Iran’s national interests.

Although Armenia has historically leaned on Western nations for security support, this exercise shows a possible shift. Until recently, Armenia’s government was cautious about deepening military ties with Iran, trying instead to build stronger defense relations with Europe and the United States. However, with rising regional threats and uncertain support from the West, Armenia appears to be reconsidering its approach.

In March 2024, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan traveled to Tehran for a high-level visit. Though few details were made public, officials from both countries reported that Papikyan and Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani reached several important agreements. This visit laid the foundation for the joint drill that is now unfolding on the Armenian-Iranian border.

The idea of a defense alliance with Iran has long been supported by members of Armenia’s political opposition. Armen Rustamyan, a senior leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), stated on March 10 that Armenia must form a military pact with Iran to protect its territory from future attacks.

While the government has not yet taken that step, this joint drill may represent the first sign that such an alliance is no longer off the table. Armenia has much to gain from deeper cooperation with Iran, a regional power that shares not only a border but also a common concern over Turkey and Azerbaijan’s ambitions.

Armenia is a small country surrounded by powerful neighbors, many of whom have shown hostility in recent years. Its border with Iran is a rare point of stability in a region full of uncertainty. Strengthening that connection, especially in military terms, gives Armenia an extra layer of security.

This joint exercise is more than just training—it is a symbol of unity, resistance, and preparedness. It shows that Armenia is not alone, and that its friendship with Iran has real, strategic depth.