TEHRAN- Iran’s ambassador to Armenia highlighted a $3 billion investment aimed at enhancing commercial ties between Tehran and Yerevan, asserting that any hopes regarding the Zangezur corridor will not materialize. 

As reported by Armen Press, Mehdi Sobhani stated “Iran is not against the unblocking of routes, but this process must occur under the national jurisdiction of the involved nations.” 

“Our position on the unblocking matter is unequivocal. While we do not oppose the unblocking, we firmly believe that all actions related to it must be conducted within the framework of national and state sovereignty,” the ambassador stated.

“Any aspirations or misconceptions about the Zangezur corridor will not come to fruition,” he emphasized.

Sobhani further reaffirmed Iran's stance against extraterritorial claims on Armenian land. 

“We believe that all oversight should be managed by the Armenian government, maintaining its sovereignty,” he remarked.

On the topic of bilateral collaboration, Sobhani mentioned, “We possess numerous opportunities for cooperation. Efforts, particularly in the areas of road, bridge, and construction projects, are designed to benefit the citizens of both nations and enhance transportation.”

A promising future lies ahead for both countries and “We are committed to leveraging all available resources,” he concluded.

The Zangezur Corridor, referred to as the “Zangezur Economic Corridor,” is a proposed land route that aims to connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan, traversing southern Armenia. This corridor creates a direct transportation link between Azerbaijan and Turkey, circumventing the landlocked pathway through Georgia. 

The Zangezur Corridor has sparked significant controversy among regional stakeholders, with Iran and Armenia expressing opposition due to fears regarding national security and territorial integrity. If established, the corridor could enable Azerbaijan to gain direct access to its border with Turkey, thereby avoiding Armenia and facilitating a continuous transportation route between the two nations.