As steps are taken to open the Zangezur corridor, Tehran's fearful nightmares have been stirred again. Representatives of the conservative wing with provincial mindsets continuously continue their anti-Zangezur statements.
Iran's Tinn.ir website writes: "A serious geopolitical confrontation is forming around the Zangezur corridor. Some foreign powers are trying to cut Iran's regional ties through Zangezur."
There are very cunning motives behind the conservative wing of Iran's anti-Zangezur statements.
Firstly, the goal is to discredit the reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian. Because this person views the opening of the Zangezur corridor loyally, and is interested in expanding normal cooperation with all neighboring countries, especially Azerbaijan. During the 12-day Israel-Iran war, while members of the conservative wing who now speak loudly hid in bunkers, Masoud Pezeshkian was constantly among the people.
Mr. Masoud understands that Iran's salvation depends not on conflicts or confrontations, but only through cooperation with all forces. The goal of the mullah regime, however, is different.
Secondly, the conservative regime in Iran cannot accept Azerbaijan as an independent, strong state. They are concerned about the expanding cooperation of Turkic states. Observations show that Iran is seriously worried about the organization of the Turkic States Organization in the last few years and the new phase that economic relations between these countries have entered. They even regard Zangezur as the TURAN corridor.
Thirdly, Tehran's and Moscow's positions on the Zangezur issue coincide. Although Russian officials officially remain silent about this corridor, behind the scenes they instruct Iran to oppose Zangezur or the Trump Route to be entrusted to a US company for the sake of International Peace and Prosperity. Official Moscow expresses its position through its tainted media and members of Iran's conservative wing. Both countries see Azerbaijan as their own province in one way or another. Therefore, the Zangezur project, so to speak, the realization of the Trump Route for the sake of International Peace and Prosperity should be accelerated.
Unless Russia and Iran give up their imperial ambitions, they have no chance of success from a geostrategic perspective.
Akram Baydemirli
