From Tehran to Ankara: Iran Draws the Final Line on the "Zangezur Corridor" Plan - Ali Akbar Velayati

June 10, 2025

11:24 PM

Iranian Supreme Leader's International Affairs Advisor Ali Akbar Velayati. Image.

According to VERELQ reports, Iranian Supreme Leader's International Affairs Advisor Ali Akbar Velayati stated in an interview with TASS that the Islamic Republic has successfully prevented the implementation of the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" plan. He called this plan a threat to regional integrity and strategic interests of Tehran.

Velayati pointed out that contemporary Iran is unprecedentedly powerful in political, military, and diplomatic terms. He believes that the rapid response of Iran's leadership to South Caucasus geopolitical instability serves as strong proof:

"The so-called corridor connecting Nakhchivan with the mainland of Azerbaijan through Armenian territory is actually a premeditated plot to split the region and block Iran's land route to Europe. We have timely identified this plot and thwarted the implementation of this plan."

The advisor claimed that even Joe Biden admitted that the infrastructure and political foundation for launching the corridor are ready. However, it was Tehran's tough stance, independent of Moscow, that made the plan unachievable.

The Iranian representative considered this not only a transportation route but also a large-scale geopolitical game, aiming to exclude Iran from the South Caucasus passage and encircle Russia from the south:

"Iran's presence in this region is not only about national security but also a strategic barrier against external interference (including NATO expansion). Our active actions in the South Caucasus contribute to the stability of the entire region."

Velayati emphasized that the failure of the "Zangezur Corridor" sends a clear signal: Tehran will not allow any projects that threaten regional sovereignty, power balance, and communication freedom to be implemented.

Meanwhile, Davit Khudanyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, revealed during parliamentary discussions on the implementation of the 2024 state budget that a new high-voltage transmission line between Armenia and Iran will go into operation next year.

According to the official, this is the third transmission line connecting the two countries. The project started about ten years ago but had been stalled for a long time due to financial problems of the Iranian contractor "Sunir" company. Currently, construction progress has significantly accelerated: the line itself and the accompanying substation are being built simultaneously.

"Construction of the 400 kV transmission line and related infrastructure continues, with particularly intensive recent work. Approximately 80% has been completed. We are installing towers in the Goris area and will soon start stringing lines. We are doing everything possible to complete the work by the end of this year and put it into operation in 2026."

The head of the department emphasized that the commissioning of this transmission line has strategic significance for Armenia's energy system, increasing the export or transit capacity of electricity sent to Iran from the current 350 MW to 1200 MW, achieving a threefold increase.

Government documents also noted that the new line will enable the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline to operate at full capacity under the current "Gas-for-Power" program, enhancing bilateral energy cooperation efficiency.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514478952686862884/

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