Zangezur Corridor red line for Iran

The head of National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament has reiterated that the Zangezur Corridor is a critical red line for Iran, warning that any attempts to alter its status or make unilateral moves in the region will be met with a firm response.

In an interview with ISNA News Agency on Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi emphasized that Iran has conveyed its position to regional countries through various diplomatic channels, stressing that the corridor's status is non-negotiable for Tehran.

In response to recent statements from Russian officials advocating for the opening of the Zangezur Corridor and their cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey in this matter, Azizi expressed Iran’s strong opposition.

"The geopolitical developments surrounding the Zangezur Corridor are not in the best interest of the region, and Iran is vehemently opposed to such moves," Azizi stated.

While underscoring Iran's commitment to regional stability, he made it clear that any threat to Iran’s territorial integrity would be met with resolute action.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always pursued peace and avoided escalating tensions in the region. However, if our territorial sovereignty is compromised, we will stand firm and will not allow any country to infringe upon us."

The strategic importance of the South Caucasus region was also highlighted by Azizi, who described it as a key axis in Eurasian geopolitics.

"Historically, this region has been part of Iran's civilizational sphere and has witnessed numerous geopolitical shifts over the centuries. Its role in energy transfer, peace, stability, and regional balance is undeniable, and we are closely monitoring all developments," he said.

Azizi also referred to the Leader of Islamic Revolution's position on the issue, recalling a meeting between Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which Iran’s firm stance against any geopolitical changes in the Caucasus was reiterated.

"We have repeatedly communicated to regional nations that the Zangezur Corridor is a red line for Iran, and any alterations will provoke a strong and serious response."

Concluding his remarks, Azizi underscored the active role of Iran's parliament in monitoring the situation. "The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament is closely following the geopolitical developments related to the Zangezur Corridor. We expect the president and the foreign minister to address these critical issues with urgency and sensitivity, using diplomatic channels to resolve the matter in a way that protects Iran's national interests." 

Additionally, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament issued a tweet advising Russia and Azerbaijan to respect international borders.

"Iran's strategic policies regarding borders, neighboring countries, and corridors are stable and rooted in our national interests. As I emphasized during the recent Parliamentary Assembly in Baku, we do not accept any changes to borders. My advice to Russia and Azerbaijan is to respect these boundaries,” Ali Nikzad, the Deputy Speaker, posted on the social media platform X.