Iran Opposes Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Corridor, Citing Regional Stability Concerns
Iran has voiced strong opposition to the proposed transit corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a key component of the US-brokered peace agreement.
Iran's Concerns
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, warned that the corridor, designed to connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, poses a threat to regional stability and is unacceptable to Tehran. The "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity," as it's officially known, has raised concerns in Iran, which fears being cut off from Armenia and the wider Caucasus region. Iran sees the potential for a foreign military and commercial presence along its border.
Iran's Response
Velayati asserted Iran's right to defend its interests and highlighted recent military drills as a demonstration of its readiness. While welcoming the overall peace agreement, Iran cautioned against foreign intervention near its borders, emphasizing its potential to destabilize the region.
The Peace Agreement
The agreement, signed at the White House, aims to resolve the decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. The corridor would also give Azerbaijan direct access to Turkey via Nakhchivan, boosting its access to European markets for oil and gas. US officials view the deal as a strategic setback for Russia and part of a broader "regional reset."
