"From Tehran to Erdogan": Iran puts an end to the Zangezur Corridor project: Velayati

Advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran on international Affairs Ali Akbar Velayati in an interview with Tasnim agency said that the Islamic Republic successfully prevented the implementation of the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" project, which, according to him, threatened the integrity of the region and the strategic interests of Tehran, VERELQ reports.

According to Velayati, modern Iran is stronger than ever — politically, militarily and diplomatically. And one of the clearest confirmations of this, in his opinion, was the rapid reaction of the Iranian leadership to the geopolitical instability in the South Caucasus.:

"Under the guise of creating a corridor that was supposed to connect Nakhichevan with the main territory of Azerbaijan through Armenian lands, in reality, a scenario was being prepared for the division of the region and blocking Iran's land access to Europe. We realized the essence of what was happening in time and disrupted the implementation of this plan."

The adviser claims that even Joe Biden allegedly admitted that the infrastructure and political base for launching the corridor was already ready. However, it was Tehran's tough stance, without any reliance on Moscow, that made the implementation of the project impossible.

According to the Iranian representative, this is not just about a transport route, but about a large—scale geopolitical game, the purpose of which is to oust Iran from the South Caucasian track and simultaneously encircle Russia from the south.:

"Iran's presence in this region is not only a matter of national security. It is a strategic shield that prevents external interference, including NATO expansion. Our activity in the South Caucasus is a contribution to the stability of the entire region."

Velayati expressed confidence that the failure of the Zangezur Corridor was a clear signal: Tehran will not allow any project that threatens sovereignty, balance of power and freedom of communications in the region to be implemented.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia, David Khudatyan, during the discussion of the execution of the 2024 state budget in parliament, announced that the new high-voltage power transmission line between Armenia and Iran will be commissioned next year.

According to the official, this is the third power line connecting the two countries. The project started about ten years ago, but for a long time it stalled due to the financial problems of the Iranian contracting company Sunir. Now the pace of construction has noticeably accelerated: both the line itself and the service substations are being built in parallel:

"The construction of a 400-kilovolt transmission line and related infrastructure continues — these days the work is particularly active. Approximately 80% has already been completed. Supports are being installed in the Goris area, and wire stretching will begin soon. We are making every effort to complete the work by the end of the year and put the line into operation in 2026."

The head of the department stressed that the launch of this transmission line is of strategic importance for the energy system of Armenia, as it will triple the volume of export or transit of electricity to Iran — from the current 350 to 1200 megawatts.

The government documents also indicate that the new line will make it possible to use the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline in full within the framework of the current gas-for-electricity program, increasing the efficiency of bilateral energy cooperation.

Ali Akbar Velayati: AP Photo/ Ebrahim Noroozi, File