Iran has issued a rare and firm warning to Russia over potential geopolitical changes in the Caucasus, centering on the controversial Zangezur Corridor. This proposed transport route would connect Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan via Armenia's Syunik province. Tehran opposes the corridor, fearing it could alter the regional balance of power and impact Iran’s strategic access to the Caucasus. The dispute has strained Iran-Russia relations, despite their broader cooperation, as the corridor could reduce Iran’s direct access to Europe and isolate it further from the Caucasus.
Iran's concerns stem from the fear that the creation of the Zangezur Corridor could diminish its influence in the region and disrupt the current borders, which Tehran views as crucial to regional stability. At a meeting with Russia's ambassador, Iranian officials reiterated their opposition to any changes to internationally recognized borders, signaling deep-rooted worries about both territorial integrity and the broader implications of such projects. The Zangezur Corridor issue has thus tested the resilience of the Iran-Russia alliance, which is being challenged by shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Caucasus.
