What Could the Opening of the 'Zangezur Corridor' Lead To: Former Iranian Ambassador

In a recent interview with Mehr News Agency, Iran's former ambassador to Azerbaijan emphasized the necessity of clarifying the positions of Moscow and Baku regarding the 'Zangezur Corridor,' asserting that Western media exploit this issue to disrupt Iran's relations with Russia and Azerbaijan.

Mohsen Pakaeen, a political analyst and former diplomat, addressed the recent statements made by Russian officials concerning the so-called 'Zangezur Corridor.' He stated, "Russia's stance needs to be clarified following Putin's visit to Azerbaijan," adding that there is now a perception that following Putin's remarks, the 'Zangezur Corridor' will open, directly altering Iran’s border and placing the country in front of emerging issues with Russia and Azerbaijan.

He noted, "Although Azerbaijan and Russia are our friends, we must first carefully study the situation and engage in negotiations with Moscow and Baku to eliminate uncertainties, so we can understand their intentions and avoid exhibiting negative behavior until the issue is resolved."

Pakaeen pointed out that the opening of the 'Zangezur Corridor' could occur through several avenues. In his view, military operations by Russia and Azerbaijan could be one of the paths for the corridor’s opening, which would violate Armenia's territorial integrity and, consequently, disrupt the international borders between Iran and Armenia.

“If such an event occurs, Western countries would undoubtedly assist Armenia, leading to a new war in the region. Thus, I do not believe that Russia and Azerbaijan wish for a new war in the region, as Azerbaijan and Armenia have recently concluded the Nagorno-Karabakh war and are signing a peace treaty, with both sides declaring their recognition of each other’s territorial integrity. Therefore, the military opening of the 'Zangezur Corridor' is ruled out,” he said.

The former Iranian ambassador in Baku suggested that a second path could be peaceful negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, through which Azerbaijan might gain access to Nakhchivan within the framework of Armenia's national sovereignty. Pakaeen asserted that if such an agreement is reached, Armenia will have specific requirements, such as expecting Azerbaijan to allow access to Iran through its territory.

Additionally, he highlighted that if Turkey wishes to use that route, it must permit Armenia to reach the Black Sea from its northern borders. “Achieving these objectives requires prolonged negotiations, as Azerbaijan and Turkey are not interested in providing Armenia with new routes. If this issue is resolved through negotiations, it could take several years, which is why Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed to refrain from mentioning it in the peace agreement,” he explained.

Thus, statements from Russia must be weighed by all parties before adopting any position, as there are many obstacles to opening this corridor. Therefore, diplomats from both countries need to negotiate with Moscow regarding this matter, he continued.

“Perhaps Western media have exploited the Zangezur issue and seek to disrupt our relations with Russia and Azerbaijan,” the former Iranian ambassador added.

According to him, Russia aims to open the 'Zangezur Corridor' in such a way that it falls under the control of Russian forces, in accordance with the provisions of the ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan from 2020, to which Armenia opposes. The issue raised by Putin in Baku is, in fact, one of the points from the 2020 agreement, he noted, stating that the agreement stipulates the parties must open communication routes.

“The President of Russia reiterated this stance in Baku, which, of course, is not a new position, as Lavrov had previously expressed a similar viewpoint,” Mohsen Pakaeen concluded.