Iran Press/ Iran news: This transit project was proposed by Azerbaijan following its victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, aiming to connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan, and Turkey to Central Asia. However, the Zangezur Corridor has since become a major point of contention in the region. Iran views the establishment of this corridor as a significant geopolitical shift and has made it clear that it will not tolerate such a change.
A Serious Threat to Regional Peace and Stability
The opening of the Zangezur Corridor is seen as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. This project is viewed as part of NATO’s broader effort to increase its influence in the South Caucasus, potentially jeopardizing the security of all neighboring countries. Consequently, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly expressed its opposition to any changes to the current international borders.
Iran has emphasized the need to persuade Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia of the security risks posed by this corridor. To achieve this, Iran’s diplomacy must focus on consistent dialogue with these countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, while avoiding actions that could provoke neighboring states.
There is growing concern that NATO, through Turkey, could leverage the Zangezur Corridor to strengthen its connection to Azerbaijan, using this route to pursue various political and security objectives, including those that threaten Iran’s security. At the same time, some countries are seeking to expand their influence in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and have made significant investments toward this goal in recent years.
Iran’s Firm Stance Against Geopolitical Border Changes
Amid these shifting dynamics, Iran has reiterated its refusal to accept any alterations to the current geopolitical borders, maintaining that such changes would be against its national interests. The issue of border integrity is a "red line" for Iran, a point underscored by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei during a recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "If there is any plan to close the Iran-Armenia border, the Islamic Republic of Iran will oppose it, as this border is a link that has existed for thousands of years," he stated.
Historical experience shows that border disputes have often been a significant source of conflict and instability. Iran, drawing on its considerable diplomatic experience, will not tolerate any moves to alter the geopolitical boundaries in the region. Should any country in the South Caucasus attempt to destabilize Iran’s northwest by shifting borders, Tehran has warned that it will respond decisively.
Iran’s Commitment to Regional Peace, Stability, and Security
Iran's position remains one of respecting the territorial integrity of nations and maintaining international borders in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Regional peace and security in the South Caucasus are crucial, and any actions that threaten this must be avoided.
Unfortunately, conflicts like the war in Ukraine have enabled the illegal and destabilizing presence of external actors, such as the European Union, France, the United States, and Israel, in the region. If these interventions continue, the sensitive South Caucasus could become a broader security threat. The Zangezur Corridor should not become a point of contention that undermines the growing strategic relationship between Iran and Russia.
Iran will continue to pursue strategic ties with its neighbors, recognizing that national security is non-negotiable. Tehran has repeatedly demonstrated that, while it values strategic partnerships, it will not compromise on its national interests. Any transit route within a country's territory must be under that country’s control, without interference from external parties.
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