Iran’s Minister of Road Development Farzane Sadegu met with Armenia’s Territorial Management and Infrastructure Davit Kudhatyan on Monday to discuss ways to enhance transportation links and logistics.
Sadegu highlighted the importance of developing ocean corridors in the north, south and the Gulf coast of the north and south, and called for improvements to Armenian roads, railways and logistics networks to promote trade.
She pointed to a $330 disparity in transport fees between the two countries and urged a review of the system, saying new routes should avoid geopolitical changes.
The Iranian minister also highlighted the reopening of the Jorfa Yoyerevan Georgia Railway as an important step in regional transport, and described the Iranian president’s recent visit to Armenia as a milestone that strengthens Tehran-Yoyerevan relations in transportation and logistics.
Kudatian praised Iran’s support, particularly during the 2024 earthquake, and praised Iranian contractors for their performance in Armenia’s infrastructure projects.
He acknowledged the existing disputes regarding Iranian transport tariffs and announced that a collaborative work group would be formed to investigate the issue.
The Armenian side also confirmed plans to bid for a new section of the north-south corridor.
The discussion goes against the background of the regional conflict over the Zangetur Corridor, the route that links the Republic of Azerbaijan to the existence of the Naktiban.
Following the second Karabakh War and the Trilateral Peace Agreement, Armenia was expected to provide the Republic of Azerbaijan with secure access through its territory.
Yerevan sees the route as a corridor under its control, but Baku calls for corridors with minimal border checks and sovereignty restrictions.
Iran has consistently positioned itself as a reliable transport option for the Republic of Azerbaijan, maintaining its route through Bille and Jorfa amid crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tehran officials emphasize that Iranian routes for the Republic of Azerbaijan to connect with Naktiban are the safest and most cost-effective methods, regardless of other initiatives.
A few weeks ago, Iranian official Amin Taraf reiterated that while Zanjur’s corridor remains unresolved, Iran is always providing uninterrupted access to Azerbaijani cars.
He noted that Armenia proposed an alternative “intersection of peace” project to link north and east-west transport, but warned that attempts to change geopolitical boundaries would trigger regional sensitivity.
Iran claims that its territory remains the most reliable corridor for the passage to Nahtivan in Azerbaijan, with or without the Zangezur route.
MNA/TSN