TEHRAN: Iran has expressed its opposition to the proposed Zangezur corridor, which would link Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region through Armenian territory, after recent statements of support for the project from Russian officials.
The controversy started after Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly voiced support for the corridor in a conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, according to Azerbaijani media outlets. This was followed by an official statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressing the necessity of setting up the Zangezur corridor.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a strong rebuke, saying that any threat to the territorial integrity of Iran’s neighbours, is totally unacceptable and a red line for Iran.
Ali Nikzad, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, in a statement on X, said, “We do not accept changes in borders. My advice to Russia and Azerbaijan is to respect borders.”
The head of the Parliament’s National Security Commission also added the Zangezur corridor is a red line for Iran.
Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told the Armenian Prime Minister during a meeting that Iran considers the Zangezur corridor detrimental to Armenia and continues to stand firm on this position.
The dispute has highlighted tensions in Iran’s ties with Russia, traditionally seen as an ally in the region.
Iranian officials stress that while they value ties with countries like Russia, they will not compromise on issues they consider crucial to regional stability and national security.
Iran on September 2, reportedly summoned the Russian ambassador to the foreign ministry over the remarks.
During the meeting with Russian Ambassador Alexei Dedov, Mojtaba Damirchi Lou, Director General of Eurasia for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need to respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity as a foundation for sustainable peace and regional cooperation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to meet with Russian President Putin for the first time at the upcoming BRICS conference in Kazan on October 22.
