The Zangezur Corridor and Threats to the Interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the South Caucasus

Abstract

After the massive attack by the military forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the recapturing of territories in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region in 2020, the issue of the construction of the 'Zangezur Corridor' has led to some concerns in the political and civil circles of Iran. Based on the plans announced by the Azerbaijan-Turkey alliance, the creation of this corridor through Armenian territory could change the regional balance of power to the detriment of Iran. The progress of this project presents multiple threats against the geopolitical and economic interests of Iran, the most important of which are: the possibility of changing borders through blocking the land connection between Iran and Armenia; the possibility of Armenia's rapprochement with the Western bloc and the intensification of the strategic isolation of Iran; reducing Iran's transit advantages in the North-South Corridor; increasing Turkey's influence in the region; jeopardising the territorial integrity of Iran through the incitement of pan-Turkic sentiments and the revival of Azerbaijani ethnocentrism; and strengthening the presence of NATO and its allies on Iran’s northern borders.