The statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the Zangezur corridor and Armenia’s obstruction of the opening of this corridor have sparked anger from Iran.

Axar.az reports that the Iranian news agency “Tasnim” published a detailed article accusing Moscow.

The article criticized Lavrov’s remarks where he stated: "Unfortunately, it is the Armenian government in Yerevan that is obstructing the agreement signed by Prime Minister Pashinyan regarding communications in the Zangezur region."

The article, under the title “Several Important Recommendations for Russian Officials,” included seven “advice” sections concerning Iran’s stance on the Zangezur corridor and Moscow’s position.

It was noted that senior Iranian officials have repeatedly declared in meetings with officials from Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkiye that Tehran is openly opposed to this corridor, which would bring geopolitical changes to the borders and the region.

The "advice" reflects Tehran’s deep concern over Moscow’s position on the Zangezur corridor:

1. The Russian Foreign Ministry made statements contrary to Iran’s expectations; the Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any type of corridor, including Zangezur, which would connect Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan. Therefore, Russia's stance is surprising.

2. The Moscow authorities are well aware that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as an independent country, has clear and precise positions on even the smallest developments in the region, particularly in the South Caucasus.

3. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept any changes to its borders or its security boundaries.

4. The security and geopolitical position of any country in the South Caucasus is not superior to others by any law. So why do our Russian friends think they need to resolve their issues with Armenia through the Zangezur corridor?

5. When Russia was deeply involved in the war with Ukraine, the Americans attempted to establish a foothold in the South Caucasus, disguised as NATO. But the Islamic Republic of Iran stood alone against NATO and the U.S. with all its might. The Biden administration even admitted that Iran was the sole obstacle to the opening of the Zangezur corridor.

6. Senior Russian officials, particularly President Vladimir Putin, have insisted on strengthening strategic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, as evidenced by significant agreements made with high-ranking Iranian officials. Given these strategic goals, the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry is surprising and may require a reassessment of the meaning of “strategic relations.”

7. It appears that the Russian Foreign Ministry has been deceived and intends to use the fictitious Zangezur corridor, which will never be established with Iran’s opposition, to resolve its issues with Armenia.

It should be noted that the opening of the Zangezur corridor would mean closing one of Iran’s gateways to Europe and reducing the number of its neighbors from 15 to 14.

According to the concept of "strategic relations" sought by Iran and Russia, such tactical moves contradict the foundations of strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, if an attempt is made to open a so-called corridor in Zangezur, the West will surely resist. This conflict could ignite a new flashpoint right next to Iran's sensitive northwestern borders. If any country thinks it can resolve its issues by creating new conflicts and confrontation zones at the expense of others outside its borders, then no place in the world will be safe, and chaos will reign globally.

It is worth mentioning that the "Tasnim" news agency represents the views of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the country's leader, Ali Khamenei. Previously, during discussions on the opening of the Zangezur corridor, Ali Khamenei voiced similar concerns, and other high-ranking officials referred to this issue as Iran’s “red line.” However, while Iran is hostile towards the West, it appears more indifferent to Armenia's growing ties with America and Europe and the deployment of military forces to the region, stating, "It is Yerevan's business who it befriends."

It seems that Iran is even willing to tolerate American soldiers near its borders to ensure that peace and stability are not established in the South Caucasus, and that the demands of the Republic of Azerbaijan outlined in the peace treaty are not fulfilled.