TEHRAN, 7 October 2020, (TON): Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani warned that Tehran will not tolerate presence of foreign fighters, claiming, “terrorists that Iran has fought for years" are participating in the conflict   between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It is believed that Turkish-backed Syrian fighters are fighting in Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan. In Syria's civil war, Iran was ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and is critical to Turkish role in Azerbaijan and Armenia conflict.

Rouhani said, “We have very good relations with both nations and the war should come to the end. We hope stability returns to the region.”

Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces is being reported in the Nagorno-Karabakh region since 27 September 2020, which caused losses on both sides including civilians. The fighting, involving heavy artillery, warplanes and drones has continued despite numerous international calls for a cease-fire.

Iran shares nearly 760 kilometers (470 miles) of its border with Azerbaijan and about 35 kilometers (22 miles) with Armenia, with traditionally good relations with both neighbors, though public opinion in the predominantly Shiite Iran mainly supports Azerbaijan.