Russia and Iran are in conflict in the South Caucasus over the proposed Zangezur corridor, a transport route connecting Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan to Russia and Turkey. Iranian officials see this route as a threat to their borders and sovereignty, leading to tensions between the two countries.
The Zangezur corridor, running through Armenia’s Syunik province, gained momentum after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This victory reshaped the region’s political dynamics and raised concerns for Iran, especially with Russia backing Azerbaijan.
Iran is firm in its stance that the corridor must remain under Armenian control to protect its border with Armenia. As Iran prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerns about Russia’s support for Azerbaijan and potential implications for Iran’s interests loom large.
Iran is proposing improvements to the Aras corridor as an alternative to Zangezur, aiming to establish a broader East-West passage. However, strategic competition between Russia, China, and the West in the region poses challenges for Iran’s geopolitical positioning.
As tensions escalate in the South Caucasus, Iran seeks to navigate its relationships carefully to safeguard its interests and prevent significant shifts in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
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