Iran is vehemently opposed to the Zangazur project. Why and what should Armenia do?
The Zangazur Corridor is a proposed transport route connecting mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, passing through Armenia’s southern Syunik region. This corridor is part of a broader regional infrastructure plan following the 2020 Karabakh war, with Azerbaijan advocating for its development under agreements brokered by Russia.
Lately, Russia has demonstrated support for the Zangazur Corridor, seeing it as a way to boost regional connectivity, solidify its influence in the South Caucasus, and diversify its transport routes due to the imposed Western sanctions. Moscow views this corridor as a strategic link between Europe and Asia, and so do Azerbaijan and Turkey, aligning it with their geopolitical and economic interests.
However, Iran is vehemently opposed to the project. Tehran sees the corridor threatening its regional influence, fearing it could cut off direct land access to Armenia and disrupt its trade routes. Additionally, Iran worries about increasing Turkish and Azerbaijani influence in the region, which could shift the balance of power along its northern borders. This was probably the case because Iran agreed to a transit route connecting western Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan through Iran via a bridge over the Aras that connects the two countries.
This geopolitical tug-of-war underscores the complex dynamics at play, as regional powers vie for influence in the Caucasus, with the Zangazur Corridor at the heart of the dispute. In this dispute, Armenia is a stubborn neighbor working for its own harm. It must overcome its anger and try to abate hostility against this project.
On the other hand, Armenia’s opposition to the Zangazur Corridor could be a strategic mistake. The corridor presents a unique regional connectivity and economic growth opportunity, potentially turning Armenia into a key transit hub between Europe and Asia. Blocking it may isolate Armenia further and deepen economic challenges while Azerbaijan and Turkey strengthen their positions. Instead of resisting, Armenia could benefit from engaging in dialogue and leveraging the corridor for its advantage.
Hopefully, Armenia will be able to reestimate the advantage of the Zangazur project for the whole region.
Razi Nurullayev, Azerbaijan MP, chairperson of National Front Party
