TEHRAN – Senior Advisor to the Islamic Revolution Leader on International Affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati warns regional and international athletes against attempts to revive the controversial Zangetour Corridor project, and Iran should not be silent in the face of threats to the interests of the country or region.
In a social media post, Velayati responded to new efforts to promote so-called corridor planning, warning that the move to impose non-gietial geopolitical changes on the South Caucasus would trigger a strong Iranian response.
“Iran is not indifferent to its own benefits or regional stability,” he said. “A government that tries to repeat past failed experiments will be filled with a firm response from the Islamic Republic, whether it is a government from the region.”
The idea of “Zangezur Corridor,” a term derived from Azerbaijan and Turkey, assumes the road in the Syunik province of Armenia. The region has historically been close to Iran for centuries. However, the Zangezur corridor will not function as a standard transport route if established. It would require Armenia to abandon control of the passageway to Baku and its main patronage Ankara.
The project emerged following the recent war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran has consistently expressed disapproval of the plan, highlighting its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its historical boundaries and protecting the geopolitical balance of its surrounding areas.