Zangezur Corridor: A Geopolitical Flashpoint in the South Caucasus

The debate over the Zangezur Corridor continues to ignite geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus, drawing in major regional players like Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye. As Russia insists on opening the corridor, as stipulated by a ceasefire agreement following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Iran has raised strong objections, marking a potential shift in its traditional alliances and strategies in the region.

Moscow's Stance: A Corridor as a Priority

The Zangezur Corridor, a proposed transport route connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, has become a focal point for Russia. During a recent visit to Baku, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Armenia of sabotaging the trilateral agreement aimed at reopening transport communications.

Following Lavrov’s remarks, Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, stated that “the corridor remains a priority for Moscow,” triggering strong protests from Tehran. Russia insists that the corridor be opened and that its security should be controlled by the Russian Federal Security Service. However, this stance has led to significant backlash from Iran.

Tehran's Red Line: Firm Opposition to the Corridor
Iran has unequivocally declared the Zangezur Corridor a "red line." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that any changes to the borders of neighboring states, including the opening of the corridor, are “completely unacceptable” to Iran. This sentiment has been echoed by other Iranian officials, including Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, and Iran's ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of neighboring states.

Iranian parliamentarians and media outlets have voiced concerns that the Zangezur Corridor could reduce Iran's strategic role in regional cargo transit, shifting the balance of power in favor of Turkey and Azerbaijan. For Tehran, this potential shift is unacceptable, prompting some officials to describe Russia's support for the corridor as a “stab in the back.”

Iran's Shift Away from Russia?

The recent discord over the Zangezur Corridor hints at a potential shift in Iran's regional policy. Historically, Tehran has maintained a cautious alignment with Russia in the South Caucasus, driven by strategic necessity and a shared interest in countering Western influence. However, recent developments suggest that Iran might be reconsidering its stance.

Iran’s strong opposition to the corridor has been directed primarily at Moscow, not Yerevan. This suggests that Tehran is unhappy with what it perceives as a shift in Russia's policy in favor of Azerbaijan. Iranian officials have also pointed out that, despite its opposition, Russia continues to support Azerbaijan's position on the corridor. These developments raise questions about whether Tehran is trying to balance its relations between the West and Russia or seeking a more independent foreign policy.


The Broader Geopolitical Context

The Zangezur Corridor is not just a transportation project; it has broader geopolitical implications. For Azerbaijan, the corridor represents a critical link to Nakhchivan and an opportunity to enhance its role as a regional logistics and trade hub. Turkey also supports the project, viewing it as a strategic route that would benefit all parties involved, including Armenia and Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned against any geopolitical changes in the region, emphasizing that maintaining internationally recognized borders is crucial. Tehran fears that the opening of the Zangezur Corridor under Russian control could diminish its direct land access to Armenia and weaken its influence in the South Caucasus.

A Complicated Web of Alliances

The issue of the Zangezur Corridor has brought to light a complex web of alliances and rivalries in the South Caucasus. For nearly four years, Iran maintained a firm stance on the corridor, but it now finds itself at odds with Moscow, its historical ally. At the same time, Tehran seems to be inching closer to the West, partly due to the pressures resulting from its involvement in the war in Ukraine and the need to navigate sanctions.

Iran’s recent criticisms of Russia's stance on the corridor may indicate a desire to adopt a more independent regional policy, potentially aligning more closely with Western interests. This shift could open new opportunities for Tehran, allowing it to leverage its geopolitical position amid growing isolation and sanctions.

Conclusion: Navigating a New Geopolitical Landscape

The Zangezur Corridor issue reflects the changing dynamics of the South Caucasus and the broader geopolitical landscape. As regional powers navigate these changes, the outcome of the discussions surrounding the corridor will likely have significant implications for the future of the region. While Iran continues to oppose the corridor, it remains to be seen whether this stance will evolve as Tehran seeks to balance its relations with both Russia and the West.