No contact with representatives of Armenian community in Iran since  Jan 9, 2026 - Zareh Sinanyan

ArmInfo.Since January 9, it has been impossible to establish contact with representatives of the Armenian community in Iran. This was stated by RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan at a press conference in Yerevan on January 12, referring to the protests that erupted in Iran on  December 28 due to the devaluation of the national currency.

He noted that, unlike what is happening in Aleppo, Syria (clashes  between the Syrian Arab Army and the Kurds - ed.), where they are  constantly in touch with their compatriots, the situation in Iran is  completely different, as the internet has been shut down in Iran  since the evening of January 8, and there is no information about  what is happening in that country.

"This is worrying us. We will focus our efforts on establishing  contact with them," Sinanyan assured. He also recalled that a similar  situation was observed during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran,  when, according to him, information was received through compatriots  crossing the border. In this regard, he stated that in the current  situation, they will likely resort to a similar method of obtaining  information. "We do not have sufficient information at this stage to  talk about evacuating our compatriots. As soon as such an opportunity  arises, we will take care of it," added the Chief Commissioner for  Diaspora Affairs.

As a reminder, protests in Iran erupted on December 28 following the  collapse of the national currency and the rise in prices of essential  goods. Initially beginning as social protests, the protests escalated  into riots, the burning of buildings, and the killing of law  enforcement officers. Iranian authorities responded harshly to the  protests. The country has had its internet shut down for a third day.  Conflicting reports have been released regarding those detained and  killed in Tehran and other Iranian cities.