WANA (Dec 15) – The senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has firmly rejected the so-called “Trump plan” in the Caucasus, saying it is no different from the proposed Zangezur Corridor and runs counter to Iran’s national security interests.

 

Ali Akbar Velayati, the Supreme Leader’s adviser on international affairs, made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Grigor Hakobyan, Armenia’s ambassador to Iran.

 

Velayati stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran is categorically opposed to the plan, noting that Tehran has opposed the Zangezur Corridor from the outset due to its rejection of any change in regional borders or developments that could threaten Iran’s surrounding security environment.

 

Velayati said Iran stood firmly against the Zangezur Corridor even at a time when Russia was heavily preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Tehran opposed the plan with or without Moscow’s support.

 

He warned that the corridor could have paved the way for NATO’s presence north of Iran, posing a serious security threat to both northern Iran and southern Russia.

 

He added that the so-called Trump plan is essentially the same project under a different name, now being pursued through the entry of American companies into Armenia.

 

Velayati cautioned that past experience shows the United States often enters sensitive regions under the guise of economic projects, which later evolve into military and security involvement. “Any form of U.S. presence near Iran’s borders carries clear security consequences,” he said.

 

During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the South Caucasus. Velayati highlighted the deep-rooted and historical relations between Iran and Armenia, reiterating that Tehran has always sought to expand and deepen ties with Yerevan.

 

Armenian Ambassador Grigor Hakobyan, for his part, described relations with Iran as highly important and strategic, saying that developing ties with Tehran is a key priority of Armenia’s foreign policy.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and continuing consultations on regional issues.

Ilham Aliyev, Nikol Pashinyan and Donald Trump . Social Media / WANA News Agency

Ilham Aliyev, Nikol Pashinyan, and Donald Trump. Social Media / WANA News Agency