Russia's recent support for opening a corridor through Armenian territory to connect Nakhchivan with the main part of Azerbaijan has caused serious concern in Iran. In connection with this issue, the head of the Eurasian Department of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mojtaba Damirchilou, met with Russia's ambassador to Tehran, Alexey Dedov, for discussions.

Axar.az reports that Abdullah Agar, the head of the Center for Strategic Studies at Turkiye's Bahçeşehir University and a security expert, commented on the reasons for Iran's opposition to the Zangezur corridor. He mentioned the centers that do not want Ankara and Baku to strengthen.

"In my opinion, the main question in this matter is who is concerned or trying to prevent Turkiye and Azerbaijan's efforts to establish lasting peace and sustainable development in the region and strengthen their political positions, or which countries could benefit from the current situation. The answer to the issue lies within these questions. Everyone is well aware of what it means for humanity and regional stability if Turkiye and Azerbaijan manage to open a land corridor. However, some states, especially Iran, do not want this. If you want to connect the East to the West, or the North to the South, you need to create an area that contributes to stability and mobility while reducing costs. This corridor would mean coming from the North, passing through Zangezur with all the infrastructure, and reaching the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf."

The expert noted that if the corridor is opened, Russia will gain access to two major regions:

"Russia has been involved in the process from the beginning but remained silent for a while; now, it is reactivating. The emerging question is whether Russia will connect from North to South through Turkiye or Iran. If it is through Iran, it will reach the Persian Gulf, as it has had this option from the beginning. However, if it is through Turkiye, it can reach both the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean through the 'Development Road' corridor passing through our country's and Iraq's territory. On the other hand, if this connection is established through Azerbaijan, Russia will be able to maintain its presence in Armenia firmly."

A. Agar emphasized that Turkiye and Azerbaijan together could overcome all difficulties and artificial obstacles:

"They also see where the 'anthropological and geopolitical river' flows. Therefore, Russia also wants to benefit from the water of this 'river.' Can different processes occur? Of course, it is possible. Because in many cases, states look at issues not from ideals but from reality. The course of events mainly depends on the state wisdom, resistance, and influence that Turkiye and Azerbaijan will display together. Some are trying to create a geopolitical reality without Turkiye for Azerbaijan, and some without Azerbaijan for Turkiye. In my opinion, if we take all our steps thoughtfully and avoid falling into traps, we can ultimately achieve all our main goals."