Recent Developments Surrounding the U.S. Proposal to Control the Zangezur Corridor
WANA (Jul 18) – The United States has proposed taking control of the disputed route known as the “Zangezur Corridor” between Armenia and Azerbaijan, framing it as a plan for “peace mediation.” This proposal was met with a negative response from Yerevan, with the Armenian government stating it would not hand over control of its southern borders with Iran and Azerbaijan to any external party.
This initiative comes amid heightened tensions in the South Caucasus and stalled peace talks between Yerevan and Baku. Azerbaijan has set additional conditions for a peace deal, including constitutional changes in Armenia to remove references to Azerbaijani territory.
Some analysts see Washington’s proposal as going beyond purely peacekeeping aims. Bardiya Bagheri, an international relations expert, argues that this plan could strengthen U.S. and allied military and political influence in key strategic routes in the Caucasus and potentially increase pressure on Iran and Russia. He frames it as part of a broader strategy of containment targeting independent regional powers.
Iran Strongly Opposes Zangezur Corridor; Urges Diplomatic Action
WANA (Sep 07) – The head of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Azizi reaffirmed the country’s strong opposition to the Zangezur Corridor, describing it as a geopolitical threat to regional stability. The official labeled the corridor as “artificial,” warning that any attempts to undermine Iran’s military and political influence under the […]
The roughly 32-kilometer-long Zangezur Corridor has long been a major obstacle to a lasting peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Yerevan avoids using the term “Zangezur Corridor,” viewing it as carrying secessionist implications that threaten its sovereignty. Conversely, Baku insists on unrestricted access and joint management of the route.
In addition to Armenia’s rejection, some regional analysts warn that foreign involvement in controlling the corridor could pose security risks for neighboring countries, including Iran and Russia. They point to growing military cooperation between Baku and Ankara, arguing that plans for the so-called Zangezur Corridor could shift the geopolitical balance in the Caucasus.
Reports also suggest Turkey has encouraged Baku to sign a peace deal, potentially taking advantage of Russia’s focus on the war in Ukraine and recent tensions between Iran and Israel to expand its influence in the region. Analysts note that Turkey’s regional ambitions sometimes align with broader pan-Turkic ideas.
Hassan Karimnia, a transport and transit expert, has highlighted two alternative routes for trade between Turkey and Azerbaijan. The first is the Ro-Ro terminal at Amirabad Port, which despite being planned for about 20 years has yet to be fully implemented. The second is the Armenia-Georgia route, which has seen limited political and economic progress.
The U.S. Proposal to Control the Zangezur Corridor – WANA News Agency
