Iran has vowed to prevent the establishment of a corridor in the Caucasus region, which is part of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, mediated by the United States. This agreement, while seen by some as a step towards lasting peace, has caused alarm in Iran.
Ali Akbar Velayati, a top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, announced that Tehran would block the project, regardless of Russia’s involvement. The project involves Armenia, with which Iran has a strategic alliance. The ceasefire, brokered by the Trump administration, has the potential to disrupt this alliance.
The United States and Turkey have been keen to establish a trade corridor in the Caucasus, which could bypass Iran. Velayati, referring to the transportation corridor in the peace agreement, said, “This route will not become a gateway for Trump’s mercenaries; it will become their graveyard.” He called the plan a ‘political betrayal’ aimed at weakening Armenia’s territorial integrity.
The agreement, finalized at the White House on Friday, grants special U.S. development rights for a route through Armenia that will connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Turkey. Nakhchivan is located on the Trans-Caucasian plateau, surrounded by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.
Iran objects to the proposed Zangezur corridor in the Trans-Caucasus because it poses a threat to its geopolitical, strategic, and economic interests. Its construction could cut off direct contact with Armenia, a vital ally. This action would undermine Iran’s regional influence. Iran’s territory serves as an important route for trade and movement between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. The corridor will bypass this route, which will diminish Iran’s strategic and economic influence in the South Caucasus.
Iran is also concerned that the corridor could lead to an increased U.S. and NATO military presence on its northern borders, which it perceives as a threat. Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has described it as a ‘geopolitical conspiracy’ and insists that it must be stopped.