Velayati: Iran Blocks US Zangezur Corridor With or Without Russia
WANA (Aug 09) – Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader on International Affairs, has stressed that Iran will prevent the establishment of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” in the South Caucasus, whether Russia cooperates or not. He emphasized that the corridor threatens regional security and aims to alter the geopolitical map of the area.
In an exclusive interview responding to a question regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement about the “Zangezur Corridor” and his claim to lease this passageway for 99 years, Velayati sharply questioned the legitimacy of such a claim: “Is the South Caucasus an ownerless region that Trump can just lease?” He warned that this passageway will not become a corridor under Trump’s control, but rather “a graveyard for Trump’s mercenaries.”
Velayati reiterated Iran’s long-standing opposition to the creation of any so-called Zangezur Corridor. Explaining Iran’s stance, he said this corridor would change the geopolitical position of the region, redraw borders, and is designed to facilitate the division of Armenia.
Highlighting Iran’s firm response to this conspiratorial project, he recalled that when Turkey and Azerbaijan insisted on building this corridor, the Iranian military, under the command of the late Major General Baqeri, then-Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, held multiple military exercises in northwest Iran. These drills demonstrated Tehran’s readiness and seriousness in preventing this plan.
Trump-Named Zangezur Deal Raises Alarm in Iran
WANA (Aug 09) – U.S.-brokered Armenia–Azerbaijan deal on Zangezur corridor, named after Trump, raises alarm in Tehran. The recent agreement between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, mediated by the United States, recognized the Zangezur Corridor as a key component of the peace deal. According to reports, Armenia has agreed to grant the […]
He dismissed the idea that any country could lease this corridor as “naïve” and said Trump is pretending to be naïve. “Claiming to lease this corridor on the other side of the world is like someone from this side trying to lease the Panama Canal! This is impossible and will never happen.”
Referring to Trump’s statements as “flashy but empty,” Velayati remarked that Trump seems to believe he is a real estate agent, trying to rent out land or territory.
Iran to Protect South Caucasus Security With or Without Russia
The former Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that the corridor plan, which would lead to Armenia’s fragmentation, faces strong opposition from the Armenian people. He stressed that no nation willingly agrees to the division of its land, even if its government adopts unstable positions.
Referring to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Velayati noted that during a previous visit to Iran, Pashinyan expressed agreement with Iran’s position and opposition to the corridor, given its obviously harmful and conspiratorial nature.
Reminding of the border changes the corridor would bring to Iran, isolating its northern and northwestern communication routes exclusively to Turkey, Velayati warned that the corridor’s implementation would endanger the security of the South Caucasus.
Accordingly, Iran has declared it will act to ensure the security of the region, with or without Russia’s cooperation. He added that Russia also opposes the corridor strategically.
Iran and Russia Block the American Zangezur Corridor
WANA (Jul 28) – In recent negotiations between Yerevan and Baku over the proposed railway route in southern Armenia, a concerning proposal has emerged—one that would involve the United States gaining partial control over this strategic corridor and even deploying military forces near the Iran-Armenia border. It is a plan that Iran and Russia are […]
Addressing U.S. claims that the corridor’s purpose is to transfer energy resources from the Caspian Sea, Velayati said the Caspian is a semi-enclosed sea exclusive to neighboring countries, and the transit of oil and gas requires the consent of all littoral states. Recent joint Iran-Russia military exercises in the Caspian Sea sent a clear warning: any unilateral external action will face resistance.
He emphasized that this corridor is not simply a commercial route, but a political conspiracy targeting Iran and several neighboring countries. In addition to Turkey, a NATO member, other NATO countries seek presence in the region, aiming to position NATO “like a viper” between Iran and Russia. Iran, he declared, will not allow such interference.
Citing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s repeated statements about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership prompting Russian action, Velayati stated Iran will likewise not permit NATO’s approach to its northern borders, insisting that prevention is better than cure.
No Corridor Needed to Connect Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan
The former foreign minister also highlighted the resistance of northern Iranian peoples—from West and East Azerbaijan to Ardabil, Gilan, Deylaman, Mazandaran, and Khorasan—against any conspiracies targeting northwest Iran. These people have historically resisted invasions from the Umayyads to the Ottomans and will continue to oppose any plots.
Regarding the connection between Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan proper, Velayati said there is no need for a corridor; they can use Iranian territory freely for transit.
He emphasized that regional equations are not confined to Azerbaijan and Armenia alone but also affect Iran’s borders, giving Iran the right to defend its interests with full strength.
Iran and Russia Launch Joint Caspian Sea Rescue Drill
WANA ( Jul 21) – The 2025 Caspian Sea Combined Search and Rescue Exercise (CASAREX 2025) officially began today, featuring participation from the naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation. The joint drill is hosted by Iran’s Northern Naval Fleet and the Fourth Naval Zone of Imam Reza (AS), […]
Disarmament of Hezbollah: A Dream That Will Not Come True
In a continuation of his interview, Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader on International Affairs, addressed recent political developments in Lebanon, particularly the decision by part of Lebanon’s government—allegedly influenced by the United States and Israel—to disarm Hezbollah. Velayati firmly stated that such efforts are neither new nor likely to succeed.
“This is not the first time such discussions have been raised in Lebanon,” Velayati said. “Just as previous anti-Lebanese plans failed, this time too, they will not reach their goal. The resistance will stand firm against these conspiracies.”
He highlighted that when Hezbollah had fewer resources and less strength, these plots were foiled. Now, with a far stronger popular base and greater capabilities, Velayati asserted, “By God’s will, these schemes will definitely fail.”
Velayati emphasized Hezbollah’s broad acceptance among all Lebanese communities—Christian, Shia, Sunni, and others—stating: “Resistance is Lebanon’s dignity, life, and security.” He recalled that before Hezbollah’s resistance took root, around 1982, Israeli forces had advanced into southern Beirut and the Dahieh district but were ultimately forced to retreat by Hezbollah’s efforts.
Hezbollah’s Strength Continues to Grow
The former Iranian foreign minister explained that one reason such political debates arise is that the “Zionists”, with U.S. support, assassinated key figures like the late Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, mistakenly assuming Hezbollah had weakened. “In reality, Hezbollah’s core remains very powerful,” he said.
They Will Take the Dream of Disarming Hezbollah to Their Graves
WANA (Aug 07) – Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi, Deputy Coordinator of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that the weapons of the Resistance are the weapons of the Lebanese people for defending their land, and emphasized that the disarmament plan will not succeed — neither in the Lebanese Defense Council […]
“Hezbollah today is far more resilient than in 1982-83. Had Hezbollah not existed, Israel would have inflicted on Lebanon the same devastation it brought upon Palestine.” He affirmed that Hezbollah has protected Lebanon and will protect itself from American schemes.
Velayati questioned whether Lebanon’s government has any concern for safeguarding its people, saying: “If Hezbollah lays down its weapons, who will defend the lives, property, and honor of the Lebanese people? Have some politicians not learned from past experiences?”
No New ‘Joulani’ Will Rise in Lebanon
He warned that the current move to disarm Hezbollah is solely the wish of the U.S. and Israel. “They believe they can bring another ‘Joulani’ figure to power in Lebanon,” he said, referring to the Syrian militant leader backed by Western powers, “but this dream will never come true, and Lebanon will stand firm as always.”
Velayati reiterated Iran’s strong opposition to disarming Hezbollah, citing Tehran’s longstanding support for the Lebanese people and resistance movements.
US Betrayal in Iraq: Disarmament to Occupation
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Iran and Iraq Unite Against Disarming Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces
Responding to questions about similar conspiracies targeting Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), Velayati referenced his recent phone conversation with former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, describing Maliki as courageous and recalling his historic role in sentencing Saddam Hussein and expelling the Mojahedin-e Khalq group from Iraq.
Maliki warned that after Lebanon, the U.S. and Israel intend to target Iraq’s PMF next. Both Maliki and Velayati emphasized that Iran and Iraq oppose the disarmament of Hezbollah and the PMF and will resist such attempts.
Velayati stressed: “Without the PMF, the Americans would swallow Iraq, as the PMF plays in Iraq the same protective role Hezbollah plays in Lebanon.”
Lebanese Wise Leaders Must Oppose Disarmament
When asked how Lebanon could prevent Hezbollah’s disarmament and resist Israeli-American internal provocations, Velayati urged Lebanese wise leaders to stand against those pushing disarmament. “Otherwise, the resistance will stop it, and we will support the resistance. Lebanese leaders must neutralize this irrelevant plan.”
He dismissed comparisons between Lebanon and Syria, stating that Lebanon will not allow someone like Joulani to rise there. He believes Lebanon’s wise leaders will block such moves because the majority of Lebanese understand that Hezbollah protects their security and lives against terrorists like ISIS, Joulani, and Israel.
He pointed out Syria’s fate as a cautionary example: “In Syria, Bashar al-Assad was sidelined and Joulani came to power. The result? Israel commits atrocities freely, and Syria faces the risk of disintegration more than ever. The Lebanese people see these events and recognize that their security is the product of Hezbollah’s presence.”
Israeli Attacks Amid Disarmament Plot
Commenting on recent Israeli strikes against Hezbollah coinciding with disarmament efforts, Velayati said the current ceasefire benefits Israel by keeping it afloat, but insisted the ceasefire must not prevent Hezbollah from defending Lebanon.
Lebanon: Iran Interfering in Internal Affairs
WANA (Aug 07) – Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in response to recent remarks made by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in support of the resistance. In the statement released Thursday, the ministry rejected and condemned Araghchi’s comments, claiming they constitute a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and stability, […]
Yemen’s Resistance: A Precious Jewel in the Axis of Resistance
Velayati also praised Yemen’s resistance, calling it a “jewel” sent by God to aid the regional resistance axis.
He noted that Yemenis not only support the resistance but also control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, resisting U.S., British, Australian, and other powers’ plans by targeting key military assets with missiles. He cited the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which was targeted dozens of times and ordered to withdraw by Trump.
Velayati declared that Yemenis have put Israel and the U.S. in a difficult position, and that Syria’s resistance will soon rise again, further thwarting Israeli plans.
Resistance Stronger Than Ever Against “American-Zionist Schemes”
In closing, Velayati stressed that despite enemy propaganda and psychological warfare, the resistance is more united and powerful than ever in countering American and “Zionist plots” in the region.
“Iran is the center of the resistance axis,” he said, “and openly and bravely supports the resistance. Soon, everyone will see that despite all conspiracies, the future of the region belongs to its people and the resistance.”
