Baku | July 28, 2025
The Zangezur Corridor is a strategic initiative by Azerbaijan that could significantly transform the region’s transport and logistics architecture and open up new horizons for trade and economic growth, both in the South Caucasus and far beyond.
Against this backdrop, Iran’s position, especially through figures like Supreme Leader’s advisor Ali Akbar Velayati, reflects not so much a false concern but a distorted perception of reality, driven by ideological fears unrelated to the actual essence of the issue.
In his latest statement, Velayati claimed that the Zangezur Corridor project “is not aimed at regional integration, economic stability, or the well-being of nations, but is planned to encircle Iran, Russia, and the ‘Resistance Front’.” According to him, Tehran is responding to this threat not only with words but with actions: “Iran has deployed military forces to the borders and conducted exercises, showing its ‘red line.’ The era of passive and observatory policy is over – Iran now follows a strategy of preemption and active actions. Behind this corridor are the U.S., NATO, the Zionist regime, and Pan-Turkic circles.”
Well, the familiar slogans of the archaic wing of Iranian politics, such as “red lines” and “exercises” – to which, recall, Azerbaijan and Turkey responded much more significantly – have become so overused that they have long lost their impact and now barely draw attention. It’s unlikely that the newly coined term “Pan-Turkic circles” will be perceived any differently, simply joining the list of rhetorical clichés that have long lost their persuasive effect.
Velayati’s position raises doubts about his understanding of geopolitical reality and basic logic: rejecting the justification for the existence of a 42-kilometer transport corridor connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, he calls it “a means of land encirclement” of two countries, each of which has extensive land borders, access to seas, and diverse transport routes. And by the way: since Iran is concerned about the emergence of third parties in the region, why does it turn a blind eye to the EU’s espionage mission in Armenia?
It should be noted that there are many in Iran who, for some reason, believe that the Zangezur Corridor project will open access to Iran for the U.S. and Israel. For example, Iranian geopolitical expert Professor Abdurreza Farajirad even considers this project to be “the basis for new conflicts” and, in his interviews, emphasizes the need for closer rapprochement between Tehran and Armenia. It seems there’s nowhere closer to go – although, of course, it’s a matter for both capitals. But what distorted mirror did the Iranian expert look into to see the “basis for new conflicts” in the Zangezur Corridor – that’s more of a rhetorical question.
For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that in Iran, there are – albeit rare – more measured opinions, according to which the Zangezur Corridor could contribute to the restoration of regional ties. For instance, former Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayin believes that opening communication routes in the South Caucasus “should not be at the expense of any country” and emphasized the importance of implementing the Zangezur Corridor project “without violating Armenia’s territorial integrity.” Well, if the Iranian diplomat is hinting at Azerbaijan, it should be reminded: our country does not encroach on Armenia’s territorial integrity – this has been repeatedly stated, including at the highest level. The unblocking of communications in the South Caucasus is not aimed at causing “harm to anyone,” but, on the contrary, at creating conditions for sustainable regional development.
An interesting critique has also been voiced in Iranian media by political observer Hamid Asefi, who stated that the Zangezur Corridor is not just a transit route, and it should be taken seriously: “Currently, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the U.S. are precisely and carefully reviewing the balance of power in the South Caucasus, while Tehran is still operating with calculations that have nothing to do with reality. The decision-making bodies in Iran’s foreign policy sector are unable to adequately assess the new geopolitical situation and continue to think within outdated ideological and power-based frameworks that are incompatible with the new regional system,” he said. According to him, in such an environment, belligerent rhetoric is useless, and a smear campaign against a neighboring country is a pointless exercise.
Returning to Velayati, it’s worth recalling his recent complaint addressed to Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Muhsin Naqvi. “You have close relations with Azerbaijan, but you should pay attention to the fact that the authorities of this country are taking steps that contradict the position of Muslim states,” he stated, citing Azerbaijan’s mediation between the Syrian and Israeli authorities as an example. In his view, “such a policy is not in line with the views of the Islamic world.”
It’s hard to understand why Velayati is so concerned about the fact that Syrian-Israeli negotiations took place in Baku, but one thing is clear: his statements are not based on an objective analysis of diplomatic reality but rather reflect entrenched patterns and preferences of certain political circles in Iran.
As for the platform Baku provides for negotiations between interested parties, this primarily speaks to Azerbaijan’s high authority and the level of trust in it.
President Ilham Aliyev spoke about this at a meeting with participants of the Third Shusha Global Media Forum on July 19 in Khankendi. In response to a question about Azerbaijan’s increasingly calm but firm role as a center for international negotiations and mediation, the president said: “We intervene only by invitation. If we are not invited, we stay home. We don’t come uninvited, like some people do. If there’s an invitation, I think we can provide the necessary assistance, but only by invitation.”
The president stated that Azerbaijan has become much more active on the international stage: “And what you mentioned about our mediation efforts between different countries is just part of this. We have indeed become an active member of the international community. We, with strong ties to various international players, can and will play a much more important role, at least in matters concerning a broader region. When I talk about a broader region, I mean the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia, and everything in direct proximity to Azerbaijan, as well as Europe, because our agenda with the European Union is also currently, I would say, in the process of rebooting.”
The topic of mediation was also raised by Azerbaijan’s presidential assistant, Hikmet Hajiyev, in a recent interview with the German publication Berliner Zeitung. He emphasized that Baku has already established itself as the diplomatic capital of the region, hosting important international negotiations. If the parties are interested, Azerbaijan is ready to provide all the necessary conditions for Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Baku.
“If our friends and partners (Russia and Ukraine) want to meet in Baku, we would be very happy. Baku is already the diplomatic capital of the entire Caspian region. Negotiations between Turkey and Israel were held here. Syria and Israel also held negotiations in Baku. Earlier, strategic negotiations between Russia and the U.S. on missile defense systems took place here, as well as Russia-NATO talks. Recently, many other quiet diplomatic events have taken place in Baku. We welcome everyone, but we cannot force anyone. They must reach out to us,” Hikmet Hajiyev noted.
By the way, about mediation. Wasn’t it on the very same day, May 8, 1992, when Armenian armed forces occupied Shusha during negotiations between the Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations mediated by Iran in Tehran?
As for the rhetoric of “Islamic solidarity,” there are more than enough counter-questions to ask about Iran itself.
For example, did Iran’s long-standing support for Armenia’s aggressive policies align with “the views of the Islamic world”? Wasn’t military aid for the occupying forces flowing through Iranian territory during the First Karabakh War? Wasn’t Iran silent while Armenian forces desecrated Muslim shrines in occupied Azerbaijani territories? And wasn’t it from Iran that “restorers” were sent with the task of falsifying and “Iranianizing” rare surviving monuments?
Wasn’t Iranian territory used as a transit route for cargo shipments to Armenia during the Second Karabakh War? Didn’t Iranian forces, in October 2020, attempt to hinder the advancement of the Azerbaijani army toward Zangilan – specifically, in the Khudafarin region, where Iranian military forces, violating Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory, made fabricated claims under the guise of “protecting the dam on the Araz River”? These actions delayed the operation and, more tragically, led to the deaths of our soldiers.
Didn’t all of this represent assistance to Armenia and an attempt to prevent Azerbaijan from liberating its lands from occupation? And wasn’t Iranian territory, after the war, used to send convoys of vehicles with clearly military cargo to Armenia?
These questions are direct and too uncomfortable for those whose rhetoric is filled with lies, omissions, and double standards, as the truth has long been displaced by political cynicism.
Today, despite the intentions of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to develop friendly relations with Azerbaijan and faith in their positive potential, some forces in Iran are actively hindering the implementation of this policy, limiting themselves to complaints and harsh attacks against Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile, the significance of the Zangezur Corridor is recognized and understood not only in Baku but also far beyond our region. For example, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has always spoken about it. Here is one of his recent statements on this issue: “Turkey sees this project as extremely important from a geopolitical point of view. It will benefit not only Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey but also other countries in the region. The Zangezur Corridor will connect our region with others and revitalize trade. Our main expectation is that this route will become a symbol of agreement, not a source of disagreement.”
According to him, the project will contribute to the prosperity of the region and give a further boost to economic cooperation: “Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to the Zangezur Corridor. He wants to launch the project as soon as possible and use this route for the benefit of not only Azerbaijan but the entire region.”
The Turkish leader pointed out that the Zangezur Corridor holds special significance in the context of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia: “Although Armenia initially opposed the Zangezur Corridor, it now takes a more flexible approach to participating in economic integration. The peace that Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign will change the climate in the region. We will witness the opening of new and historic windows of opportunity one after another.”
“The development of this region is an opportunity not only for Azerbaijan but also for Armenia, for us, Iran, and other countries. The Zangezur Corridor will bring new opportunities to the region. We see this line as part of not only a geopolitical but also a geo-economic revolution,” Erdogan said.
The Turkish leader emphasized that the opening of the Zangezur Corridor will also be a strategic development for the Middle Corridor: “With its opening, Turkish goods will cross the Caspian Sea and reach Central Asia and China faster, and goods coming from Europe to China will also begin to pass through Turkey.”
In Ankara, the Zangezur Corridor is also viewed as a factor that will turn the Organization of Turkic States into an important regional alliance, ensuring peace and well-being in the future. This was recently stated by the deputy head of the ruling Justice and Development Party, Kürşad Zorlu.
Today, the question of the Zangezur Corridor has reached the level of international diplomatic discussions. The intensification of discussions in the U.S. on normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and statements about the possible involvement of an American company in managing the corridor reflect Washington’s desire to participate in the formation of a new logistical architecture and secure its strategic geo-economic positions in the South Caucasus.
It’s important to understand that despite Yerevan’s still fluctuating position on international control over the Zangezur Corridor, as evidenced by the contradictory statements of Armenia’s prime minister, Baku’s view on such prospects is crystal clear and categorical.
“As for renting the Zangezur Corridor to an American company, this issue should be addressed to the leadership of Armenia. There will be no operator, no lease, no renting on our territory. We do everything ourselves,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting with participants of the Third Shusha Global Media Forum on July 19 in Khankendi.
“What does Armenia want to do? I don’t know. They can do a lot. They invited European so-called observers who are a group of well-trained spies, who spied against us and, by the way, recently spied against Iran. During the recent Israeli-Iranian standoff, they were walking along the Iranian border. They like to watch us with binoculars. We do the same. Tomorrow, they may invite – I don’t know whom they might invite. They can invite anyone. For us, what matters, and I’ve told my colleague in Abu Dhabi, is that we have unobstructed and secure access from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan, and we believe exactly as I say. It’s access from one part of the country to another, and Azerbaijani cargoes and citizens of Azerbaijan should not encounter Armenia’s border service or anyone else. So, this is our legitimate demand, and I believe it is absolutely fair, otherwise, our people will be at risk.”
I remember how, in Soviet times, on this particular stretch of Zangezur, Armenians threw stones at the windows of trains carrying commercial goods from Baku to Nakhchivan. Many windows on the trains were broken. This is a story we all remember. And this happened even in Soviet times – given the strict discipline and punitive mechanisms of that period. Today, we cannot risk the lives and health of our people. Therefore, there should be no physical contact, and security measures must be guaranteed so that our people and cargoes can move freely. This is a completely legitimate demand,” emphasized the Azerbaijani leader.
President Ilham Aliyev also touched upon the potential of the Zangezur Corridor: “Without a doubt, this artery will connect many countries. And when we talk about the need for transport through this railway or road, it’s not just about connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It’s about an international transit corridor. We are very actively investing in transport and logistics infrastructure. Over the past few years, billions of dollars have been invested, and the largest international trade port in the Caspian has been built. We are now expanding it to increase its capacity to 25 million tons. A railway connecting Azerbaijan with Turkey through Georgia has been built. The volume of transit transportation through Azerbaijan is increasing, as a result of the modern infrastructure. The process of digitization is also underway, and customs administration is being simplified. This is also related to geopolitical changes in our region, where other transit routes are becoming more problematic. Therefore, considering all this, we estimate the potential of the Zangezur Corridor at the initial stage to be 15 million tons of cargo. We are practically finishing the construction of the railway up to our border with Armenia and Iran, and probably within a year, perhaps even by next spring, the Azerbaijani section of this railway will be completed.”
“As for the Armenian section of this railway, by the way, during Soviet times, this railway was part of the Azerbaijani railway network, and it didn’t belong to Armenia’s railway structure because it didn’t have any railway connection with the rest of Armenia’s railway network. This is a road that connects Azerbaijan through Armenia with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and it then went to Iran with access to the Persian Gulf. In other words, with the realization of the Zangezur Corridor, we will effectively open another direction for the North-South corridor. Not just the one everyone is talking about: from Russia through Azerbaijan to Iran to Resht, but also through Eastern Zangezur and other parts of the Zangezur region to Iran and then on to Turkey. So huge opportunities are opening up to increase cargo flows,” said the head of state. “Currently, the volume of cargo transportation from China through Azerbaijan is growing rapidly. At the same time, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan railway is being built – again with an outlet to the Caspian. So, you see how large flows are already moving and will continue to move in our direction.”
“Therefore, we must be ready not only to receive and handle cargo in the Baku port but also to direct them along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway through Georgia to Turkey and further – to Mediterranean ports and through Zangezur, which will also be the most important transport route. But unfortunately, no work has been carried out on the Armenian side over the past five years, and this issue has deliberately been removed from the agenda. In this case, Armenia’s chances of ever becoming a transit country are approaching zero. If they continue to block this process, I think they will find themselves not only in transport isolation, where they are today but also to some extent in political isolation,” noted the Azerbaijani leader.
Regarding the first serious step Armenia should take toward the Zangezur Corridor, presidential assistant Hikmet Hajiyev spoke in mid-June during the GLOBSEC Forum 2025 in Prague, stating that Azerbaijan has created complete security and stability in the region: “Armenia can also become part of regional cooperation and transportation networks.”
“Azerbaijan does not seek to isolate anyone in the region. However, in this process, Armenia should also take concrete steps. This country has kept Nakhchivan under blockade for 30 years. We expect Armenia to take a serious step, first and foremost, toward the Zangezur Corridor. I know that the Armenian side is concerned about the word ‘corridor.’ I always jokingly say that I would like all of Azerbaijan’s territory to turn into a corridor. Whether they call it a road or a crossing – it doesn’t matter, the main issue is establishing a direct connection with Nakhchivan,” said Hikmet Hajiyev.
According to him, creating a transport connection with Nakhchivan could open new opportunities for Armenia itself. “We want Armenia to become part of the main flow of regional transport networks,” emphasized the President’s assistant.
