Tehran: Iran on Saturday declared its firm stance against the establishment of a US corridor in the Caucasus region, emphasizing that it will act to prevent its creation regardless of Russia's involvement. In an exclusive interview with the Iranian Tasnim News Agency, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, dismissed the idea of the proposed Zangezur corridor, which aims to connect the Republic of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Velayati expressed strong opposition to an agreement that would grant the US a 99-year development lease on the corridor along Armenia's border with Iran. He warned that such a corridor could become detrimental to US interests, suggesting it would not serve the intentions of the US president. Velayati highlighted the sensitivity of the Caucasus region and reiterated Iran's longstanding opposition to the Zangezur corridor, citing concerns about changes to the region's geopolitics, border alterations, and potential disintegration of Armenia.
Velayati pointed out that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously shared his concerns during visits to Iran, acknowledging the potential harms of the corridor plan and aligning with Iran's position. He warned that the corridor's implementation could threaten the security of the South Caucasus.
Iran's stance, according to Velayati, is aligned with the security interests of the South Caucasus, irrespective of Russia's position. He suggested that Russia is also strategically opposed to the corridor, viewing it as a political maneuver against Iran and neighboring countries. He criticized NATO's intentions in the region, emphasizing Iran's resolve to prevent any detrimental geopolitical changes.
Velayati underscored that connections between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan do not require a new corridor, as Iranian territory can serve this purpose. He asserted Iran's right to defend its interests, given the potential geopolitical impact on its borders.